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Region Six Saturday Edition NEWS paid 16 times AIETEUR

January 11, 2020 - Vol. 14 No. 02

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- tells state auditors it is “economies of scales”

Online readership yesterday 119,535

Thirteen parties enter 2020 elections race Over $1B APNU+AFC

recovered in post exemption exercises - GRA Boss

Newspaper vendor killed during home invasion PPPC

Airport ramp attendant fired for stealing US$8,000 from passenger's luggage

28 traffic lights still inoperable due to stolen batteries

Nomination Day… APNU +AFC list excludes Holder; PPP includes Datadin, Vieira and Indar

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Kaieteur News

Saturday January 11, 2020

Saturday January 11, 2020

Kaieteur News

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Over $1B recovered in post exemption exercises - GRA Boss A

bout four years ago, the Guyana R e v e n u e Authority (GRA) engaged in several activities which led to the significant reduction in the award of exemptions.

In fact, the authority held several post-exemption exercises which resulted in over $1B being recovered from 2016 to 2018.

Making this revelation was GRA Commissioner General, Godfrey Statia, in a statement to the media, yesterday. His comments are in wake of several news reports which speak to the findings of Auditor General, Deodat Sharma, on the 2018 performance of GRA and other Government agencies.

Statia said he observed

GRA Commissioner General, Godfrey Statia

several media reports, quoting the Auditor General Report, on the exemptions granted by GRA, all of which seem to suggest that there was a considerable increase in the exemptions his agency granted. But the tax chief said nothing could

be further from the truth.

Statia said if one compares the exemptions granted from 2013 to 2016 and from 2016 to 2018, the figures would substantiate his conclusion that GRA has been successful in its efforts to prudently manage the

award of exemptions.

The tax chief noted that for the period 2013 – 2015, Conditional Exemptions (excluding the unavoidable oil and gas applicants) were as follows: 2013 - $45.78B; 2014 - $53.27B, and 2015 – $72.72B. For the period 2016 – 2018, this same category was $30.73B; $35.80B; and $43.65B respectively.

With respect to unconditional Exemptions for the period 2013 – 2015, the total was $34.09B, while for 2016 – 2018, the total was $49.64B. Furthermore, under the category of Conditional Exemptions, Statia noted that the main benefactors was the sub category

Companies / Business. For the period 2013 – 2015, Companies and Business benefitted to the tune of $119.04B, while for the period 2016 – 2018, Companies and Business (excluding oil and gas), the value was $76.68B, some $42.36B less when compared.

Turning his attention to re-migrants, a category of Conditional Exemptions that was previously abused as was alluded to by previous Auditor General Reports, Statia highlighted that this was reduced by $2.56B from 2016 to 2018.

Additionally, for the years 2016 - 2018, Statia said that the sterling efforts of the GRA has led to the recovery

of in excess of $1 billion dollars from Post Exemption exercises (including sale of seizures to recover taxes) conducted on beneficiaries, who would have otherwise been declared fit and proper for the exemption by external agencies.

Statia said, therefore, that any sound analysis that should have guided an informed conclusion or audit opinion on this matter should have been based on empirical data.

Statia said that regrettably, the Auditor General nor the media house that reported on the issue of exemptions seem inclined to present the Guyanese public with well-informed positions.

Thirteen parties enter 2020 elections race

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omination Day 2020 kicked off with a loud and energetic start at the Umana yesterday, where 13 parties went to declare their lists of candidates to contest the March 2020 General and Regional Elections.

From early in the morning, people were decked in green, yellow, white and other party colours, filling the streets for blocks all around. Many of these parties had already had their vehicles stationed near the Kingston compound since the previous morning.

By 13:30 hours, electoral advisors had already come into the compound, with GECOM Chair Justice Claudette Singh and her team of Commissioners, as well as Secretariat workers.

In the beginning, APNU+AFC supporters surrounded the compound, and all that could be seen was a sea of green, speckled with yellow. Music boxes could be heard playing political variants of popular songs.

Persons could be observed waving green and yellow flags, and blowing horns.

A PPP motorcade approached Umana Yana when the clock struck 2pm.

The contingent, like APNU+AFC was led by a truck blasting music that could be heard for blocks all around. The major party's contingent consisted of hundreds of supporters in red shirts, waving black, red and yellow flags.

The APNU+AFC's departure made way for the second contingent, the

United Republican Party (URP). Its presidential candidate, Dr. Vishnu Bandhu, told reporters after the process that he has been contesting the election for a number of years now. His party has never been successful enough.

Asked why he is still determined, he said that his party still has a strong support base and that the URP is here to stay.

ANUG + FEDUP married and divorced all in one day A New and United Guyana (ANUG) and the Federal United Party (FEDUP) had been reported on by another section of the media as having coalesced.

But it turned out the marriage fell apart in a matter of hours, according to FEDUP Executive Member Chandra Sohan.

When he was pressed by reporters on the reason for the abrupt divorce, he explained that he was just as stumped.

ANUG, led by former Speaker of the National Assembly, Ralph Ramkarran, is only contesting seven regions, since it experienced difficulties reaching regions One, Eight and Nine.

Nevertheless, Ramkarran expressed confidence in the party's chances throughout all regions in the General election.

Ramkarran explained that he has assessed the matter, which led him to the conclusion that ANUG has a lot of silent supporters.

Ramkarran was keen to note

that that support base is especially buttressed by persons who would usually vote with the PPP. Asked about the reported coalition with FED UP, Ramkarran denied the joinder of the lists.

FED UP will only be contesting in the regional elections, for Regions Five and Six. The contingent experienced an issue during the declaration process, which led to the members having to leave for a few hours. Kaieteur News understands that a form had been missing from their document list. The contingent returned to the Umana Yana late in the afternoon, after the 5pm deadline had passed. Since they had already begun the

declaration process, they were accommodated by GECOM, who assisted them to rectify the issue with haste.

YOUTHFUL PARTIES Some of the new faces at Nomination Day included Gerald Forde, who is a medical doctor. On behalf of The New Movement (TNM), Forde stated that the presidential candidate Asha Kissoon. Representatives of the party were decked in black and white.

The party appears to be very youthful, with Forde stating that its membership does not see a future with the veteran major parties. The party, he said, will be focused on tackling

corruption, youth unemployment, mental health and other similar issues.

Speaking on challenges faced so far, Forde said that the party has not had the best luck with older voters, who appear to be stuck in their ways. He said that they are too caught up in tribal, racial voting practices.

“They know that there is a problem, but they can't move away from it.” The party is aware of other youth parties in the mix, like The Citizenship Initiative (TCI) whose Presidential candidate is Rhonda Lam. TCI Executive Member Ruel Johnson said that the party is contesting in six regions in the regional elections. He said that the

party had some logistical and socio-cultural challenges in getting the support needed to take part in elections in all regions.

He noted that the party is hoping to bring about a change in politics, which is one of the main reasons it was formed.

There was some reluctance to get involved in politics, Johnson explained, describing the process it embarked on to accumulate signatures.

Change Guyana led by Robert Badal said that his party garnered enough support to bring about a notable difference in the nation's politics.

The party is contesting in six regions; time did not (continued on page 14)

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Kaieteur News

Saturday January 11, 2020

Kaieteur News Printed and Published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd. 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, Guyana.

Publisher: GLENN LALL Editor: Adam Harris Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491. Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210

EDITORIAL

The story of an immigrant The immigrant story never ceases to amaze. And such is the inspiring saga of Sundar Pichai of the US, by way of India. It is a sterling example for our traveler, workers, and our young, who struggle with challenges to overcome limitations and environmental challenges.

Mr. Pichai’s achievements are many: slept in living room but earned a graduate degree from prestigious Stanford.

He secured one successful high-profile role after another with Fortune 100 companies, even while turning down ranking jobs from competitors.

Now he is king of the castle at Alphabet Inc. the parent of Google.

This is what made America great. It is what makes poorer East Indians, West Indians, Orientals, Africans, Latin Americans, and (Europeans, too) make something of themselves. It is where hungry and humble men and women can rise to the top, if only given the opportunity, a champion, and the challenge to demonstrate what they are made of.

Many wretched Guyanese and Jamaicans and Mexicans have done so.

Sundar Pichai now extends his winning streak, and adds to his already storied business record. He is a family man, with no gimmicks about matrimony, and a roots man, who is hailed as a hero in his native India: the boy next door who made good and who has come to represent the dreams of millions globally. It can be done, and only in America so spectacularly.

The rushing marvelous world of technology has numerous minorities--Chinese, Jews, Indians--toiling away in its highly competitive trenches, but most do not rise to experience the light at the top. Sundar Pichai does so now and stands as an exemplary figure for all of us.

Our STEM stalwarts brimming with creativity and dreaming big dreams must similarly challenge themselves to compete against the best and be the best. Our poor and disillusioned left behind by politics and an environment that is about flourishing of the slickest and barren of the truly industrious and conscientious, are dragged down by the weights that impede the spirit.

They, too, will go at some time, for the oil has revealed the worst in us, and with more still to come.

They must go like Sundar Pichai to those places beyond the horizon, where their rainbow may be waiting.

If it is not here, which looks dismally unlikely, then it must be somewhere else, anywhere else that offers that opening, which could lead to rising, through others recognizing the packaging and thinking and delivering that has long characterized the strength and soul of the fleeing, arriving migrant.

There will be obstacles in the way: the need for an entry permit and a work permit, even a study permit. There will be politicians here, who will play with the mind, in an effort to retain their base for their own purposes; while the leaders over there, who hold the future in the hand are sure to continue to play the same sleazy games that politicians play with peoples lives.

It is the usual deceits that result in the usual dividing of people and which sets them against one another.

The ordinary man and woman have to put down his head and keep moving, as in moving away from those whose promises mean naught, and whose selfish visions bring trouble for all, except those making the promises.

Guyanese citizens will end up being pushed and pulled in this direction and that, which means they have to make choices.

Those choices come down to this: to where and with whom and for what purpose? The past is the promise of the future, which does not look like a good one, given all the calculations in the mix, the ambitions at work, the plans being refined for implementation.

The Sundar Pichai(s) of this world of ours, relay to us, how so much could be achieved, if only we work at it, and are given the grounds on which to operate.

It is of the ultimate minority: those that stand out, those that make it all the way.

AG 2018 report undermines GRA’s efforts to manage revenue loss via exemptions DEAR EDITOR, The Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) refers to an article in another newspaper “134.2B in tax concessions, doubled under APNU/ AFC Government, significant amount of luxury vehicles – AG report”. This article contains such misleading and erroneous representations and statements aimed at discrediting the formidable efforts of the GRA in curtailing revenue loss regarding tax exemptions that it would be remiss of me not to appropriately respond.

Firstly, it must be pointed out that the GRA administers the concession regime and does not grant concessions.

Matter of fact, I am repeatedly on record stating my preference for the removal of the concession regime and to replace such with the system of tax credits. Such a system as practiced in the developed nations, allows for improved compliance with the tax laws and conditions of Investment Development Agreements

(IDAs).

Secondly, the article stated “According to the Audit Report of 2018, some $134.2B in concessions were granted for 2018, compared to just $64.3B in 2017, a 91.97% increase”. The report went on to say that: “In fact the $134B, it (the GRA) waived represents a large chunk of all monies collected by the Guyana Revenue Authority in 2018”. Further, the article noted according to the report “a total 9,359 Companies benefitted from $104.7B in tax concessions.

For the sake of brevity, I will not expound on all the statutory reasoning and parameters regarding the Exemption Regime. However, for the sake of the learned individuals who should understand how the regime operates, but who inexplicably demonstrate selective ignorance, and the Guyanese public who they are trying to convince in this “silly season”, I will again provide some explanations

which I hope will bring more clarity and final closure to this matter.

Exemptions are categorically placed into Conditional and Unconditional schemes, with Conditional Schemes being granted to Companies/ Investors/Manufacturers, etc., which results in investment stimulation, and raw materials for manufacturers. As the category name suggests, the concession is premised on the beneficiaries satisfying certain predefined conditions, both pre and post the exemption granted.

Public Officials and Remigrants are categorised in the Conditional category as a result of conditions which must be satisfied. Government Agencies including Budget Agencies such as the Office of the Auditor General are also included in this category.

Unconditional Exemptions, however, are specific to international trade agreements that Guyana has

with countries, both regionally and internationally.

The conditions for these are etched in the trade agreements that were bilaterally agreed upon by countries involved and are not contingent on conditionalities. These include importations from CARICOM countries and imports of specific items e.g. tiles from neighbouring Brazil.

It is patently obvious that the GRA therefore can only exert influence in terms of formulating and implementing policies and controls. This will only therefore apply to the Conditional category of Exemptions and in limited circumstances to the Unconditional category.

The controls for the unconditional category in many cases only involve authenticating relevant trade documents such as country of origin certificate etc. As a matter of fact there is no need (Continued on page 6)

Most of the new parties leave much to be desired DEAR EDITOR, Elections season may be the closest replica to Carnival that we have in this country.

The new parties, a whole brigade on this occasion, came to record their presences, and to gyrate, sashay, and make fools of themselves before a disbelieving public. With few exceptions, they lack visions, substance, and programs as to what they want to be about, and how to deliver on what they think they can promise.

There is this bizarre situation where new groups camp out days in advance, as though Guyanese elections are about some Thanksgiving Day sale and rush. What the hell is going on here? This is not comedic; it is tragic and so revealing, as to where we are and the spectacles of which we make of ourselves, when we partake in such circuses.

We make a mockery of what are the serious businesses of national building and clean governance. I think this nation would prefer to be spared this kind of entertainment; it has enough indignities to deal with, as it is.

Elections season in Guyana has risen to the scene of a gruesome car wreck: everybody has to be near it, everybody has a story to tell of it, and everybody has an idea on how to get something from it. The oil - whether light, sweet crude or sour and

heavier - is now the sweetest honey, the most alluring attraction that brings all and sundry from out of the woodpile.

Given them a chance and there is the heavy risk that the entire hive will be gone.

Somehow, Guyana dredges up these pretenders and opportunists around these times, and more and more of them, it seems, who arrive with a trumpet blast, and the only to depart with the speechlessness from political sicknesses that render them hors de combat, even before the actual battle has begun.

What did these people think they were going to win?

What did they, do they, really represent? Whom do they represent? Who would give them the time of day when the initial floats and parade of their presences marched past? Sure, they drummed up some scantiness about constitution and patriotism and servanthood, but nobody gave them much regard, as the cement of credibility was so largely lacking.

They held out themselves as patriots, but what have they ever given to this society? Where have they ever laid something of the self-sacrificing on the line?

Or, to cut a real fine point on this, have they ever given more than they have grasped and taken?

Taking this to a different plane, what have they given in the trenches that serves as

an apprenticeship, of paying dues, and of evidence of the multifaceted skills and, even more importantly, of serious, steadfast dedication to bona fide interests in serving the peoples of this country at the highest levels?

One does not turn up at Lord’s and declare that he is ready to go on the field of play and, therefore, space should be made for him.

The road to that height is long and filled with trial and error, with pain and anguish, and with gaining a step and losing two. This is real life in real colour involving real people.

It cannot be any different for the cauldron and ferocious proving ground that are elections times in this country.

There is so much that has to be put into the mix that there are not enough hours in the day and days in the month to put arms comfortably around what is envisioned, carefully thought out, and planned to be delivered, as in made public.

And we have had little to none of such.

For what we have had is the patchwork of sound and flesh that insists on behaving and, maybe, even believing that they are God’s gift to Guyana. That has to be some strange god compared to the one that I know, and the still stranger gifts that they embody.

Those who didn’t fall by the wayside, where they

belong as part of the elections’ detritus, will not last much longer. They are neither discernible nor distinctive nor as well developed as they ought to be. Just people plying in the night with hope in their hearts that somebody will listen to them, while they howl in the dark.

It appears that some of the newcomers always had a fallback option up their clever sleeves.

That is, they had geared up to throw themselves at the PPP or PNC, whichever one would consent to take them, should the necessity arise; or, when that fails, merge with whoever will accommodate them. I think some of this is going to come to pass in the next few days.

So where does this leave the voters of this society?

Other than to be saddled with those, who are rank opportunists, would do anything to make themselves marketable, and represent nothing but unsavory ambitions focused on the self-promoting and selfserving and self-enriching.

I think I understand why this nation is trapped and fastened where it is. With political aspirants like these, supposedly evidence of the new and fresh and wholesome, who needs saints? From which corner is lean, clean, governance going to come?

Sincerely, GHK Lall

Saturday January 11, 2020

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Kaieteur News

The arduous task of championing the struggle for free and fair elections has been left to the PPP/C DEAR EDITOR, The view that ‘A bad list is better than no list’ must be rejected vigorously by all contesting political parties.

This is an extremely dangerous position by some in our midst who, for their own selfish economic and political interests want to get elections out of the way, even if it means contesting with a bogus list or postponing the elections in order to fix it.

Those who promote this narrative, are not in the contest to win nor to lose, on the contrary, it seems as though they have opted for the role either of fence-sitters or like the chameleon, assume a camouflage when perhaps, they may very well be a front in a larger political gambit for a benefactor clothed in green.

That aside, the peripheral parties and one-time vocal NGOs have either gone silent or have backed-off from the fight for free and fair elections. They appear to be hell-bent on marketing themselves and to be continually engaged in horse trading or massaging each other’s egos while at the same time, jockeying for positions.

A tour d’horizon would show only one player shaking the mango tree for the fruit to fall, and when they do, the shysters are to be found sitting blissfully beneath the tree, waiting as it were, to benefit from other people’s labour.

This rather selfish behaviour is no longer a pattern, it is a definitive and deliberate posture that is as clear as night follows day. The arduous task of championing the struggle for free and fair elections has been left to the PPP/C.

Consider this; A New and United Guyana (ANUG) focuses exclusively on constitutional reform, the Liberty and Justice Party (LJP) focuses solely on Amerindian affairs, Change Guyana (CG)’s principal platform is big business, while the Citizen Initiative (CI) focuses solely on Youth. All four appear to be deeply engrossed in tunnel visions of their own making.

Then there is what could be called the ‘remainder’, whose messages, if there are any at all, make no sense to whatsoever. Their survival depends on who they are prepared to go to bed with.

It is interesting to note, that in the midst of an elections whirlwind, when so many key issues to hold free and fair elections, such as the voters’ list, proxy votes, rejected votes, location of polling stations and procedure for recounts are yet to be consensually settled, none of the ‘peripheral’ or ‘remainder’ political parties have evinced a squeak over these key issues.

In the meantime, the Presidential candidate of APNU+AFC and the stateowned Guyana Chronicle are constantly harping on how critical a voters’ list is for the holding of democratic elections, and the need for such elections to be free from fear.

The caretaker president

keeps talking about his commitment for the holding of free and fair elections, as if he is in competition with the PPP/C, and to convince the international community about his democratic credentials.

But the caretaker P r e s i d e n t ’s anticonstitutional antics in the aftermath of the NCM, and notwithstanding his transitory status as president of a caretaker Government, has left many deeply suspicious of his coalition’s predisposition to accept the results of a free and fair elections that could leave his coalition badly wounded.

That aside, it is now crystal clear that the heavy lifting to ensure the holding of free and fair elections has been left to the PPP/C, as if it is the PPP/C alone, and not the whole of Guyana that will benefit from the holding of democratic elections.

It is not too early to raise these matters.

Take for example the key and critical question of the voters’ list.

An accurate voters’ list can be achieved, but only when GECOM’s operatives responsible for its compilation, exercise care,

caution and professionalism in the execution of their duties a n d , m o s t i m p o r t a n t l y, when the list is deemed acceptable by the political parties.

Any list that cannot withstand the scrutiny of the political parties is a bad list and should be scrapped.

Regardless of whether the current updating of the Preliminary voters’ list is being done because of transfers or to incorporate the new verified 10,329 registrants or those unverified 6,544 (not found) persons, the point is that updating of records require verification to prevent the creation of a corrupted list contaminated with numbers tilted in favour of the ruling coalition.

Changes in data that are not verifiable are a recipe for chaos, confusion and possibly, confrontations on elections day.

Any secretive updating of the preliminary voters’ lists by the shadowy Secretariat without the concurrence of the Commission and, u l t i m a t e l y, w i t h o u t t h e updated results being scrutinized by the political

parties, is tantamount to throwing a spanner in the works.

Such questionable updating can result in allowing non-eligible persons to vote, unlawfully disqualifying eligible voters, facilitating duplicated names on the voters’ list, and/or illegally annulling votes.

Further, experience in the past, points to situations where the number of rejected votes was as high as 8,000. This was because there was no consistency with respect to the interpretation of the law regarding marking of ballots where the intention of the voter was concerned. Such a huge amount of votes would have invalidated votes legitimately cast by voters.

Moreover, there was the case in the past, where on Disciplined Forces’ polling day, ranks who had their ID cards but whose names were not on the list, were turned away without being allowed to vote.

L a t e r, GECOM announced that the names of such persons should be

entered on the register at the polling station and be allowed to vote.

These experiences among others, point to the rejection of any notion that ‘a bad list is better than no list’ voiced in some circles.

These self-appointed ‘elections experts’ are of the view that the alternative to their “bad list is better than no list” narrative, is postponement of elections to correct the bad list, a position reminiscent of the 1990-1992 experience.

Unfamiliarity by some Presiding Officers in the past, with the process for proxy voting has, in some instances, resulted in the misuse, in some cases, abuse as well as tampering or misrepresentation of proxy voting.

In pressing ahead for free and fair elections, proxy voting should not be viewed as a matter to be ‘taken for granted.’

Location of polling stations has proven to be another contentious issue.

Voters were deliberately provided incorrect (Continued on page 6)

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Saturday January 11, 2020

Kaieteur News

I am not in the least worried....except… Oh beautiful Guyana. What a country!

DEAR EDITOR, Many of the blue collar criminals in Guyana are willing to forgo their criminal behaviours and work. I know this because I speak with them and - when I can afford it - I employ them. A few of them are currently working on our Behaviour Modification Facility on the Linden Highway I am very optimistic for the future of Guyana, in this regard. All the politicians need to do is put policies in place to get the monies, consistently, down to the ‘average’ persons. Ways of doing this are in massive infrastructural projects,

beautification initiatives, agricultural drives, etc.

Many of the blue collar criminals are both vocationally and academically challenged.

What is needed for them, are consistent ways of gainfully employment, so they can meet their financial obligations.

The prison system needs to be upgraded to be more focused on rehabilitation rather than simply, incarceration.

Investments need to be made in half-way house facilities (for those returning from incarceration and seeking to be successfully

reintegrated into the society).

There also needs to be a judicial formalizing of the alternative sentencing, restorative justice and incarceration diversion programs.

These are some of the major initiatives which can be put in place in short order. If done correctly, we will drastically reduce G u y a n a ’s c r i m e a n d recidivism rates.

So, yes, I am very optimistic of Guyana’s ability to significantly reduce our crime situation....except that the politicians have to want this to happen.

Pastor Wendell Jeffrey

N.I.S. Old Age Pension DEAR EDITOR, A letter written by me, under the caption ‘This increase should have been applicable to all National Insurance Scheme (NIS) Pensioners, appeared on Wednesday, 15th May, 2019.

The following day, the Publicity and Public Relations Officer of the N.I.S. - the longstanding and very knowledgeable officer, Diane Lewis Baxter - responded by indicating that the issue of an increase for pensioners who are above the minimum rate is currently being discussed by the N.I.S. Board and Management, and that was surely welcome news.

Then on Thursday,

January 09, 2020 in another newspaper under the caption “NIS announces pension increase”, there was more good news. It is clearly stated that minimum rates for old age and invalidity pensions have been increased from $32,100 to $35,000.per month.

Nothing more was mentioned so as to indicate if this increase is across the board so that all old age pensioners would benefit, including those pensioners who are receiving the maximum payable.

This article is somewhat ambiguous and more information is clearly needed, it is public knowledge that when the annual increase for

workers is announced, it does indicate the percentage of increase to be added to the existing salary or wages, so all the employees have to do is the maths.

I see no reason or reasons why in this case the same cannot be done, however I am extremely happy that there are increases.

It is impossible for it to escape one’s attention regarding the amount of increase, percentage-wise, that this APNU/AFC Coalition Government has given or made payable, and this is irrespective if you are a pensioner or not.

Archie W. Cordis Pensioner

The arduous task of championing the struggle for free and fair elections has been left to the...

From page 5 information, inducing them to appear at the wrong polling station.

Polling stations were deliberately opened late, closed before six, or kept open to allow for illegal voting by persons who were bused from one polling station to another.

In addition, some polling stations were deliberately located at places that are inaccessible to electors, or at homes of known party activists. Also, there have been cases where polling

station locations were changed just before Election Day without notifying the relevant voters.

We have the experience of 2015, with respect to a request for a vote recount when, in a meeting with the full Commission with former GECOM Chairman Surujbally, former President Donald Ramotar requested the recount of ballots cast in 22 boxes. The request was made due to differences in the Statements of Poll that had surfaced.

Ramotar later suggested

that in the interest of not holding up the announcement of the election results, the chairman should order the recount of just five boxes.

Surujbally agreed to recount ballots in 22 boxes as earlier requested, but that was never done.

There is countrywide suspicion that mischief is afoot, inspired by the thirst and hunger on the part of the APNU+AFC cabal to remain in office. But there is an even greater hunger and thirst on the part of the people for PPP/ C to return to office. In this regard, it is the political underdog that always has the psychological and moral advantage, even in an elections.

Yours faithfully, Clement J. Rohee

DEAR EDITOR, The man with the push cart music soon changed the tune from one with lyrics supportive of APNU/AFC to one supportive of the PPP/C as that party’s Nominations Day entourage approached the Umana Yana.

A few hundred APNU/AFC supporters still “hung out” outside the Umana Yana, mostly behind the police barricades, despite being encouraged by party officials to go back to Parade Ground.

The majority had left the area by this time. APNU/ AFC had earlier submitted its list of nominees.

All this took place free of any incident. In fact, two men with APNU/AFC shirts and flags in hand actually helped clear the way to help to make room for the PPP/C supporters to

assemble. Soon, PPP/C supporters were behind the barriers themselves, only to access the same vendors who were earlier doing bright business with APNU/AFC supporters.

I also saw some PPP/C and APNU/AFC supporters greet each other, in friendship.

And then as I drove toward Carifesta Avenue there were scores of APNU/AFC and PPP/C supporters, all decked out in their party colours, waiting to catch public transportation, minibuses of any colour, to return to their normal lives. All this with little or no attention being paid to the other parties, some 17 of them, I’m not sure.

Oh beautiful Guyana. What a country!

Wesley Kirton

AG 2018 report undermines...

From page 4 to apply for the exemption under this category. This is usually granted automatically if all the relevant documentations are filed with the import documents, but the GRA through Post Clearance activities would check on their authenticity.

There has been so much buzz and fanfare in our country about oil and gas exploration and our recent oil finds. These companies by way of signed Production Sharing Agreement (PSAs) are entitled to significant exemptions upon importation of capital items as preparatory works for the upliftment of oil.

In the years 2016 – 2018, such imports intensified as a result of romping up preparation for development, production and downstream activities.

I say all of the above to now unequivocally, unambiguously and without reservation that Exemptions (excluding the oil and gas element) under my tenure as Commissioner General, which began in the year 2016, are less in value when compared to the period 2013 – 2015.

For the period 2013 – 2015, Conditional Exemptions (excluding the unavoidable oil and gas applicants) were as follows: 2013 - $45.78B, 2014 $53.27B and 2015 – $72.72B; for the period 2016 – 2018, this same category was $30.73B, $35.80B and $43.65B respectively. Unconditional Exemptions for the period 2013 – 2015 totalled $34.09B, while the total for 2016 – 2018 was $49.64B. Under the category of Conditional Exemptions, the main benefactors were the sub category Companies / Business.

For the period 2013 – 2015, Companies and Business benefitted to the tune of $119.04B, while for the period 2016 – 2018, Companies and Business (excluding oil and gas), value was $76.68B, some $42.36B less when compared with the period 2013-2015.

Remigrants, a category of Conditional Exemptions that was previously abused as was alluded to by previous

Auditor General reports, was reduced by $2.56B in the period 2016 to 2018 ($5.37B during 2013 to 2014, and $2.81B during 2016 to 2018).

Additional Public Officials reduced by $1.1B during the period 2016 to 2018 ($2.83B in 2013 to 2015 and $1.73 in 20162018).

Any sound analysis that should have guided an informed conclusion or audit opinion on this matter should have been based on empirical data, so that readers and users of the report could have deduced the relevant points and then form an informed and well construed opinion.

Regrettably, the Auditor General nor the media house that published the article, seems inclined to present the Guyanese public with wellinformed positions.

As part of the audit process, all IDAs were made available to the staff of the Auditor General for inspection. Further, the PSAs are public documents. Any sound review would have provided an informed analysis as to the reasons for the increase in exemption in certain categories, and therefore one would have concluded differently, and certainly more rationally and logically that what is bring purported by the media article to be in the AG’s report of 2018. Inexplicably, I am not in possession of such report. I am being guided by the newspaper who, it appears, has unrestricted and unprecedented access to the report.

While the exemptions administered by the GRA relative to tax collected seems like the perfect fit for a sensationalized headline, the article takes a myopic and chauvinistic view of exemptions by comparing exemptions granted in 2018 with the previous year. A more detailed analysis from 2013 to 2018 would have shown the drastic decrease in both the numbers and the values of exemption granted over the years.

The GRA from 2016 onwards, under new strategic

directions has undertaken several interventions that saw a significant reduction in the number and value of exemptions granted. Requests for tax exemptions, in particular, those in the conditional category, are scrutinized to ensure that they meet specific criteria so as to curtail the significant loss of revenue that resulted from the arbitrary and capricious manner in which such concessions were granted previously.

Further, efforts by the GRA has not been limited to administering the concessions granted, but also extends to its swift and robust control measures to ensure that beneficiaries are in keeping with conditions committed to in their respective agreements.

To this end, over the years 2016 - 2018, sterling efforts of the GRA has led to the recovery of in excess of $1 billion dollars (yes, one billion dollars) from Post Exemption exercises (including sale of seizures to recover taxes) conducted on beneficiaries, who would have otherwise been declared fit and proper for the exemption by external agencies.

The very photograph that appears in the article is one such vehicle that was re-possessed by the Post Exemption exercise resulting from a breach of an IDA that was given to this company during 2103 to 2015.

This is testimony to the fact that the GRA is not oblivious and unmindful to the potential revenue loss from the abuse of the tax exemption scheme, and has taken measures to curtail its abuse.

Our work is in a continuous progression mode which can only progressively and incrementally improve as we continue to assiduously pursue our mandate to ensure compliance with Guyana’s trade, tax and border laws. As the leader of the GRA my detractors can rest assured that I will remain undeterred by assertions and statements, which for the most part, are baseless and unsubstantiated.

Godfrey Statia Commissioner-General Guyana Revenue Authority

Kaieteur News

Saturday January 11, 2020

PAGE 07

Nomination Day… APNU +AFC list excludes Holder;

PPP includes Datadin, Vieira and Indar

The list of APNU Candidates

Some of the candidates on the PPP List

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he APNU+AFC has presented a list of candidates for the upcoming general elections. Led by the incumbent President David Granger, the APNU –AFC list included a number of coalition members who are in the previous administration.

They are Joseph Harmon, Raphael Trotman, Khemraj Ramjattan, Annette Ferguson, Volda Lawrence, Dawn Hastings-Williams, Sydney Allicock, David Patterson, Cathy Hughes, Tabitha Sarabo-Halley, Simona Broomes, Ronald Bulkan, George Norton, Haimraj Rajkumar, and Valerie Garrido-Lowe.

Some additions were Amanza Walton-Desir, David Hinds, Roysdale Forde, Quincy Jones, Ryan Belgrave, Gary Best, and D a r r e n Wa d e , S h e i k Mahmood and Geeta Chandan-Edmonds and Savitree Singh Sharma.

Noel Holder, notably, was not on the coalition's list of candidates.

After declaring the

APNU+AFC's list, President Granger said that he was satisfied that the list has met the requirements for the National Top-Up List (for Ministerial and Parliamentary candidates) as well as the Regional Lists (for Local Democratic Organs).

He asserted that all six parties of the coalition teamed up to produce a list that is diverse and representative of the entire country, in terms of age, g e n d e r, g e o g r a p h i c a l location, and occupation.

He said that his party has a strong, proven record, and that its list will prove itself to be the best there is.

Granger's plan for the country - the Decade of Development - is being touted as one that will continue the work the coalition has done over the past five years.

I am confident that these are the winning lists. The APNU+AFC has nominated candidates who enjoy the confidence of our members and supporters. Our candidates, members and

supporters are mobilized.

Our campaign is p r o g r e s s i n g . We a r e

guaranteed of the overwhelming support of Guyanese, based on our record over the past five years.

He noted the party has designed a Plan for the country – the 'Decade of Development.' The APNU+AFC restored good governance over the past five years and has a plan to

continue its good work over the next five.

PPP Presidential candidate Irfaan Ali, Prime Ministerial Candidate Mark Phillips, and General Secretary Bharrat Jagdeo, led the party's contingent, that comprised Anil Nandlall, Nigel Dharamlall, Priya Manickchand, Pauline Sukhai, Clement Rohee and

Samuel Hinds.

The PPP list of candidates included a number of fresh faces, among them Attorney at law Sanjeev Datadin, businessman and former People National Congress member of parliament, Anthony Vieira and former Vice president, Georgetown (continued on page 8)

Kaieteur News

PAGE 08

Saturday January 11, 2020

Airport's ramp attendant fired for stealing US$8,000 from passenger's luggage

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ramp attendant at the Cheddi J a g a n International Airport (CJIA) has been fired after reportedly stealing US$8,000 from the luggage of an incoming female passenger.

The incident occurred on Tuesday, and while there are no criminal charges filed, airport authorities are seeking advice on the way forward. Airport sources disclosed that on Tuesday

morning, a flight from New York landed at CJIA. Shortly after clearing Customs, a female passenger approached officials and alleged that money was missing from her luggage.

Security officials immediately sprang into action and rounded up the ramp attendants.

One was missing.

Security footage soon located him. He was seen exiting the airport facilities, hurriedly, in his car while he

was supposed to be on duty.

He reportedly did not ask permission from his supervisor to leave.

The matter was reported to the police and the ramp attendant was detained at Land of Canaan, a village a few miles away.

A search of his vehicle, in the presence of police, found US$100. The man reportedly admitted that he took the money from the woman's suitcase.

He reportedly handed

The arrival area at the CJIA

over US$2,500.

His relatives later brought $1.1M in local currency.

The ramp attendant was immediately fired after the passenger declined to press charges.

However, according to airport officials, they are pursuing whether charges can still be brought.

APNU +AFC list excludes Holder; PPP includes Datadin, Vieira...

From page 7 Chamber of Commerce and

Industry, (GCCI), Chairman Deodat Indar.

Noticeably absent from list are the names of prominent PPP members such as Shyam Nokta, Dr. Leslie Ramsammy and Robert Persaud.

The PPP in statement noted that Prime Ministerial candidate, Brig. Mark Phillips, and “our list of several hundred competent and patriotic candidates and the leadership of the PPP's General Secretary Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo,” are part of a plan for the next five years to restore and transform our nation and the quality of life of all of its people, will succeed.

“The PPP/C has a proven track record. The PPP/C built a strong and stable economy without the benefit of oil and gas. We are a Party of transformative policies and plans, and we keep our promises.

“These elections offer each of us a chance to choose the kind of life we and our children will have and the kind of country in which we will live. The choice is clear.

Only the PPP/C can rescue and transform Guyana.”

The party said that the plans for Guyana are comprehensive. It has measures that will remove the “200 draconian taxes and fees; create 50,000 new jobs thereby enhancing the wellbeing of all Guyanese and create new measures that will stimulate the economy and encourage new investments.

Kaieteur News

Saturday January 11, 2020

PAGE 09

The police cannot be trusted with fairly enforcing traffic regulations

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he police may h a v e h a d justifiable reasons for escorting an APNU+AFC convoy of vehicles into the city. Given the fact that large contingents of supporters are moving back and forth attending the ruling Coalition's political meetings and rallies, the police may have felt the need to ensure safe passage of these convoys.

Whenever there is motor racing at the South Dakota

circuit, the police would normally escort the vehicles at the end of the event. They do so, cognizant that without a police presence, some drivers in their haste to get home would feel that they are on the racing circuit.

People should not be harsh on the police therefore for escorting Party convoys as long as these are not privileges but rather attempts to ensure safety and order on the roads.

A few years ago, this column had pointed to the

most disturbing incident. A PNCR activist had died in the United States and his body was being returned home for burial. This activist was provided with a police escort from the Timehri International Airport to his home.

The individual was clearly not entitled to such a privilege.

This act constitutes an abuse of authority for which no one has been held accountable.

The Police Force will not be able to be held

Dem boys seh...

Everything expose at Umana Yana

T

he official start to de elections was yesterday. Was de day when all dem who wish to be president prepare a list wid de names of people who gun sit in parliament and who gun be de president if dem win de elections.

De thing mek some of dem new parties feel like when children going pun an excursion. That is when de parents can get dem to do all de house wuk; that is when dem don't sleep and that is when dem want to be de first to de bus stop or boat.

De day before Nomination Day some political parties done line up outside de place wheh dem have to present dem list.

Some parties didn't have nuff people and some had only de leader. Dem boys remember de time when a party enter de elections and when de man count de votes he realize that even he wife and pickney didn't vote fuh him.

It was a nice show, though. De parties dress up in dem colours. And some of dem march till dem meet de place. Was like Mash.

It also expose who is de boss and who is de puppet.

Jagdeo is not de presidential candidate and he can't even be de prime minister if de party win. He don't even know if Irfaat gun pick him fuh a Minister although de whole country know is Jagdeo gun pick de Ministers. He already pick de Prime Minister candidate.

Imagine Jagdeo ain't involve in de elections but is he who present de list fuh de party. When he was de presidential candidate he used to present de list. Now he isn't de presidential candidate and he still presenting de list.

De real presidential candidate sit down like how a pet does sit down near he master.

Dem boys done see who gun run de country if Irfaat win.

Soulja Bai stamp he authority pun he party. Dem boys wish Irfaat can stamp he authority. But then again people who live in de desert does wish fuh rain.

Talk half and watch who leading who.

Woman arrested for dumping pot of hot oil on boyfriend

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32-year-old woman is in police custody for dumping a pot of hot oil on her boyfriend while he was fast asleep at their Gangaram, East Canje home, Thursday afternoon.

The victim who has been identified as Danny Vanooten, 50, of Leopold Street, Georgetown is hospitalised with severe burns about his face and body while his partner Latoya Angel, of Gangaram East Canje is in police custody.

Reports are that the couple had a heated argument where Angel was reportedly assaulted by her partner.

She waited until he was asleep, placed a pot of oil to heat on the stove and doused him with the scorching liquid grease while he was fast asleep on his bed.

His screams were heard by neighbours and they r u s h e d o v e r. H e w a s immediately rushed to the hospital and the police were called in. At the house they arrested the woman.

Kaieteur News

understands that Vanooten would regularly visit Angel when he is in Berbice and Thursday was no different.

But their brief meeting was not as pleasant this time around as previous occasions.

Police are investigating.

accountable for any of their failures or mistakes unless the relevant laws are modernized. Guyana's has a bunch of archaic laws, the foremost of which are its traffic laws.

These laws place too much discretion in hands of the police. They also grant too much power to the Minister to establish regulations.

Not many members of the public are familiar with the traffic regulations because they have not been codified in a single document. It is time that is done and to move towards a more rule-based system of traffic laws.

Traffic policemen have an obsession with trucks and goods' vehicles. I have not yet fully understood just why it is that they like to stop these types of vehicles.

Some traffic ranks like to stop female drivers and harass them, including sexually.

Some of these ranks are bluffs, refusing to provide reasons for stopping motorists. They concoct all manner of reasons why they have a right to stop you without providing cause.

No so long ago, the public was told that a vehicle's certificate of fitness is only required to be displayed on vehicles used for hire.

Yet, as has been reported by another columnist of this

newspaper, police ranks have been claiming that it is a requirement for the certificate of fitness to be displayed on private vehicles. Imagine how many persons would have been fleeced by ranks who misrepresent the requirements.

The public was also told that random stops by ranks are outlawed and that persons can only be stopped without reason at road blocks in which case a senior officer has to be present.

However, on New Year's Eve, vehicles were being stopped and pulled over randomly on Vlissengen Road by two ranks who were using a police vehicle.

In light of the harassment being meted out to motorists by traffic ranks, there is need for a rule-based system to be implemented. The regulations cannot be codified until after elections.

This is understood but what can happen immediately is that the motorists can be told just what they need to display and for which vehicles. They should also be advised of the circumstances under which they can be stopped and just what constitutes a road block.

Those traffic ranks who feign ignorance of the traffic regulations or deliberately misrepresent them should have no place in the traffic department or in the Guyana

Police Force. The public should expose them and their actions.

The public has begun to fight back to ensure that there is lawfulness and safety on the roadways.

Social media is being used to highlight cases of dangerous driving.

The police have taken action in respect to two videos posted on social media. One of the videos featured a person dancing on top of a moving mini bus. It was reported that the person was charged But to date no action has been taken in respect to a video of a Guyana Defence Force vehicle breaching the traffic lights. Nor have there been reports on anyone being charged for driving on walkways which are used by pedestrians.

There are numerous videos of this type of infraction posted on social media The police cannot be trusted any longer with fairly enforcing the traffic laws.

Reform is needed and that reform has to come with the modernization of traffic regulations so that every motorists is aware not only of the necessary road safety laws and regulations but also what to expect when he or she is stopped by a traffic rank.

Kaieteur News

PAGE 10

Saturday January 11, 2020

THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN

Granger succumbed to the AFC's bold bluff

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ver the past two years this columnist was told by several powerful figures in the PNC leadership that (1) - the AFC can no longer bring in meaningful numbers of votes and thus should not be allowed the same latitude it was given in the 2014 Cummingsburg Accord; and (2), the PNC does not want Khemraj Ramjattan to be awarded the PM slot.

These people I spoke to knew what they were talking

about. These were the decisions of the PNC. By 2019, it was clear from my sources that the PNC will not move from these two positions. Two PNC ministers told me in September 2019 that the AFC could nominate Ramjattan every day as their PM guy but the PNC will not accept him.

The PNC's post-2017 attitude to the AFC reflected what independent analysts and countless Guyanese believed – the AFC had become a hugely diminished

force without sustainability.

Most observers knew that the PNC would not have renewed the Accord without seriously cutting many of the 2014 endowments the AFC got. The demon that destroyed the AFC's credibility was its virtual devastation in the November 2018 local government election (LGE).

The PNC had made up its mind that the AFC had now just symbolic value and not electoral viability.

The 2018 LGE result was an insane act of political

violence against the AFC. A party with seven Cabinet Ministers including the office of the Prime Minister and twelve parliamentarians contested 38 local government authorities and lost all with the villages of the Prime Minister and Khemraj Ramjattan rejecting both men.

As the dialogue to renew the Accord dragged on, the PNC was simply not interested.

The PNC resorted to a stratagem - delay agreement as much as possible and set the conclusion near to the 2020 poll so the AFC would not have time to enter the election battle on its own if it decided to walk away in dissatisfaction.

But the AFC got wind of the stratagem and confronted the PNC in November. They gave the PNC a deadline. But the PNC wasn't biting. The PNC was sticking with its two inflexible positions – greatly reduced benefits and no Ramjattan.

Up to this point the entire PNC leadership had called the bluff of the AFC – we will not panic if you decide to break away and go it alone. The tight attitude of the PNC created divisions in the AFC leadership.

This leadership is essentially a six man

f o r m a t i o n – Tr o t m a n , Ramjattan, Nagamootoo, Cathy Hughes, Patterson and Dominic Gaskin. From February of last year, Trotman took a low keyed role while Nagamootoo virtually exited the AFC. The people behind the confabulation to renew the Accord were the four named above. Worn down by the PNC's insistence, the gang of four settled for the following in the renewed Accord; (1) Granger will be the leader of the list; (2) there will no longer be specific ministries earmarked for any particular party; (3) all ministers and parliamentarians will ultimately be chosen by the president; (4) the ratio of distribution of assignments will be 70/30; and (5) the PM will come from the AFC but no names should be made public until after the elections.

Enter the labyrinth of confusion. Last week, after the official launch of the campaign of the coalition at D'Urban Park, the gang of four suspected that the PNC will make Nagamootoo the PM if they win and that Trotman on his own had some type of input.

Frederick Kissoon The gang of four then set about to confront the PNC into naming Ramjattan. But the PNC was unmoved. Some leaders went so far as to say that the AFC can go to hell and pull out of they want to. The thinking behind this was solid – the AFC cannot run on its own, it knows it will be embarrassed in front of the world.

Then Granger on We d n e s d a y m o r n i n g confirmed the suspicion of the gang of four. He publicly announced that he will name the PM after election.

That same day, the gang of four met in a building on Campbell Avenue between Stone Avenue and Sheriff Street. No one else was invited. The gloves were off. The gang of four decided to bluff its way. It decided to try a thing. The idea was just to try a thing.

David Patterson was to inform Joe Harmon that unless Granger names Ramjattan not as soon as possible but right “this afternoon”, the AFC would pull out of the coalition for 2020 that very afternoon. All PNC leaders knew about the bluff. But in a strange twist of fate, Granger fell for it.

He erred disastrously.

Saturday January 11, 2020

Kaieteur News

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PAGE 13

Guyana ahead in regional Noise, traffic congestion implementation of ICT Project affects operation at GPHC

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Officials from ProFuturo

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ore than 440 teachers from 28 schools across the country are currently undergoing training in Information and Communication Technology (ICT).

This training forms part of the ProFuturo Project, which is an education programme launched in 2016 by Telefónica Foundation in collaboration with “La Caixa” Foundation.

The Foundation has as its mission narrowing the education gap in the world by providing quality digital education for children in vulnerable environments in Latin America, Sub-Saharan Africa and Asia.

This is in keeping with the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Developmental Goal (SDG) #4 which aims to provide access to equitable and inclusive quality

education for all.

The goal of the programme in Guyana is to train over 5,000 students in communities across the 10 Administrative Regions.

These students come from Fort Ordinance, Gangaram, New Amsterdam, Overwinning, Mabaruma, Barabina, Wauna, Betsy Ground, Cumberland, Edinburg, Rose Hall Estate, Sandvoort, Sheet Anchor, One Mile, Wismar, Wismar Hill, Christianburg, Bamia, Lochaber, Amelia's Ward, Coomacka, and McKenzie.

Some of the schools are Regma, St. Aidens, Watooka Day, St. Aloysius, St. Therese's, Gu y a n a s i g n e d a n agreement with ProFuturo Foundation and the Organisation of American States (OAS) for the introduction of the programme last May. The Pilot phase of this programme was recently launched at the Hosororo Primary School in Region One, Barima-Waini.

Of the five Caribbean countries chosen to benefit from the programme, only Guyana met the necessary implementation criteria to launch the programme.

ccording to a city hospital's acting Public Relations Officer (PRO), Victor Vanvield, taxi drivers operating outside of the hospital have been creating a great deal of interference to the daily operations at the facility.

The PRO's office is located just inside the main entrance of the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC). It is around this area the taxi drivers would take up position and try to gain their customers.

Vanvield yesterday told Kaieteur News that because his and other high ranking official's offices are located in close proximity to the

area, they are disturbed from carrying out their duties.

“The vendors don't affect us but these taxi drivers; sometimes they are shouting to gain the attention of a potential customer.

This had even caused the hospital to ban these persons from the compound because at one time they were coming into the compound seeking customers.”

He added that these operators would take up a majority of the parking spaces located outside the facility and this would affect patients who in turn will have to park far away from the hospital then walk back.

Furthermore, the PRO said sometimes traffic

congestion occurs because of a lack of parking spaces. It was noted that drivers will stop in the middle of the road and have passengers who are heading to the hospital exit a vehicle.

“Take for example, as an ambulance approach the entrance at New Market Street they are supposed to turn off the siren but because of the congestion that occurs the ambulance operators are forced to keep on the siren just to clear the traffic and gain access to the hospital.”

Va n v i e l d a l s o highlighted that the hospital and the Ministry of Public Health will be looking into the matter to seek corrective measures on this issue.

State to call three more witnesses in trial of UG bomb treat

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lmost a year after a 25-year-old student of the University of Guyana (UG) was charged for allegedly making bomb threats towards the institution, the prosecutor is expected to call three remaining witnesses to testify in the trial.

Sheneza Diane Jaffarally, of Cummings Lodge, East Coast Demerara, is charged for making several bomb threats towards UG. Jarafally had denied the charge which stated that on February 5, 2019, at Cummings Lodge, East Coast Demerara, she sent by means of a public telecommunication system, for the purpose of causing needles anxiety to the staff and students of the University of Guyana, a message which she knows to be false.

The defendant is on trial before Magistrate Rochelle Liverpool in the Sparendaam Magistrate's Court. She is being represented by attorney-at-law Latchmie Rahamat.

According to information received, on the defendant's first court appearance she was remanded to prison by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan based on public

safety. However, Jaffarally approached the High Court for bail and she was released on $10,000, bail.

It was reported that on the day in question, Jaffarally, made several calls to the tertiary education institution, making several bomb threats which later caused classes at UG to be cancelled, and resulted in the institution increasing security.

Kaieteur News

PAGE 14

Saturday January 11, 2020

vendor 28 traffic lights still inoperable Newspaper killed during due to stolen batteries home invasion

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ast September, the Ministry of Public Infrastructure had issued a statement outlining the vandalism and theft of 28 solar powered batteries for traffic lights across the capital city.

All the traffic lights are solar-powered.

Since then, the vandalized traffic lights are unable to function causing much concern to commuters.

According to the Ministry, the batteries cost over $2M to replace. Not only did the thieves remove the solar powered batteries, they also removed the backups as well.

Minister David Patterson, speaking at recent press briefing, explained that while the necessary information and evidence has been handed over to the police, nothing of substance has come out of the investigations.

The Ministry, he stated, is opened to suggestions as what could be done to prevent this occurring in future as such vandalism is

Dead: Chunilall

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The vandalized traffic lights costing the country. “ I t i s h i g h l y irresponsible, not only for the persons that are stealing the batteries but also the persons who are buying the batteries.

They are equally or more culpable for encouraging such acts. ” According to Minister Patterson, due to the missing batteries, the stop lights are

malfunctioning. He explained that the lights are solar powered, using solar energy during daylight and storing the excess power for use at night.

However, since the lights are without a battery, they are unable to function at nights and return to their default setting of one or more flashing lights.

Patterson stressed that the public needs to play its part in dealing with such criminal acts since the police cannot handle the job alone.

“The Public Security Ministry may have other issues to look at that may be of more importance…that may be why we have such a low prosecution numbers.”

The Minister highlighted that they will continue with their campaigns to sensitize the public.

He also pointed out that persons can post pictures and make reports of vandalism on the ministry's Facebook page.

newspaper vendor who lives on the Essequibo Coast, was fatally shot last night, after armed bandits invaded his Queenstown home.

According to reports, the now dead man has been identified as Chunilall, also known Paper man.

Kaieteur News understands that the incident occurred around 19:30 hrs. last night.

Information indicates that Chunilall was at home with his wife and two daughters; both of whom are still traumatized after witnessing the killing of their father. According to residents, they heard what they believed to have been

fire crackers. Little did they know however, that a robbery had just ended fatally for Chunilall.

“I heard two gunshots, but first I thought it was squib, so I didn't take it for anything. And plus they had a family party so the music over there was loud. Is till when the music come off then we hear what happened,” said one villager. It is still not clear what was taken following the robbery, since the man's family members were all unavailable for a comment.

According to some neighbours, two men were seen running though an abandoned yard, which is located next to Chunilall's home.

Thirteen parties enter 2020 elections...

From page 3 permit it to complete signature lists for all regions.

It was one of the small parties with the flashier campaigns. A white truck painted with Change Guyana slogans was driving around outside of the Pegasus Hotel compound, sometimes appearing to compete with the noisy PPP and APNU+AFC motorcades.

Appealing to crowds, the party vowed to end blackouts, lower taxes and create jobs for thousands.

Badal who spoke to reporters following the presentation of the list, said that he is confident that his list of candidates is in fact very convincing.

Organisation for the Victory of the People, (OVP) another small party is contesting for the regional seats.

The party led by Gerald

Pereira said it will not be contesting for the presidency because it will be supporting the APNU+AFC party in the general elections.

The party is in support of people's empowerment and wants to work on behalf of citizens at the grassroots level to ensure their basic needs, such as for land and housing, are met.

Lenox Shuman of the Liberty and Justice Party (LJP) was grilled about dual citizenship, namely his Canadian citizenship, which he claims to have already sorted out.

Shuman said that he already made the formal application to have his citizenship relinquished, and that that was sorted out since December last.

Representing the Guyana National Service Party (GNS) was Oral Semple.

He claims to have stood

outside alone all afternoon.

He told media operatives he is not the party 's leader. That person is Arthur Fredericks, he said.

H e w a s l o n e representative of his party at Nomination Day since according to him, the rest of his party was at work and could not make it.

The People's Republican Party (PRP) is a Christian political party, who came to present its candidates late in the afternoon. PRP's presidential candidate is Valerie Leung.

The party had a prayer session before entering the Umana Yana.

T h e N a t i o n a l Independent Party (NIP), led

by Attorney-at-Law Saphier Hussain, is on a quest to make Guyana a territory of the United States of America.

Husain is the presidential candidate of his party.

Saturday January 11, 2020

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Saturday January 11, 2020

ABE countries commend GECOM operations on Nomination Day “I am very satisfied that we are at this point and I congratulate GECOM for getting the nation to this point,” said United States Ambassador to Guyana, H.E. Sarah-Ann Lynch on the coordination of Nomination Day by the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM).

While expressing gratitude for the invitation by GECOM to witness the Nomination Day process, Ambassador Lynch remained satisfied in the four-hour exercise.

“It seems to be run very

smoothly,” the Ambassador stated.

As the activities wrapped up, Head of the European Union Delegation to Guyana, Fernando Ponz Cantó, told the Department of Public Information the process at the Umana Yana was “smooth” and expressed well wishes to all who participated.

According to the EU Delegation Head, “It was an act of democracy. I think that we are all quite positively impressed by the

organisation [GECOM] and also by the participation of the parties.”

B r i t i s h H i g h Commissioner to Guyana, Greg Quinn, echoed similar sentiments. He said that he now anticipates a “peaceful campaign” period.

A total of 13 political parties submitted their lists of candidates to contest the General and Regional Elections on March 2, 2020.(DPI) (Photos credited to Kaieteur News)

Saturday January 11, 2020

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PAGE 19

Gavin Agard named interim Forestry Commission's chief - as James Singh departs

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e p u t y Commissioner of Forests, Gavin Agard, has been named the new interim chief of the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC).

His appointment came days after Commissioner James Singh announced his retirement, ending a more than two-decade stay at the helm of that forestry regulator.

Singh, who has been ailing, was retained by the Coalition Government in 2015 even as the GFC came under fire for its stewardship of the forests as Chinese investors were being investigated and severely criticized for their activities here.

GFC is facing financial challenges as increased monitoring activities, among other things, dented its cash reserves.

According to the Ministry of Nat u r a l R e s o u r c e s y e s t e r d a y, Singh announced his retirement at the end of last year.

“This announcement came during an end of year staff meeting at which Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman, lauded Commissioner Singh for his valuable contribution to the forestry sector and his commitment to the sustainable management of one of Guyana's most valuable resources.

Minister Trotman also noted the m o n u m e n t a l contribution that his family had made to Guyana's development.”

Singh's career at the GFC began in 1998 when he joined the Commission and began serving as Deputy Commissioner of

Interim Commissioner: Gavin Agard Forests (Forest Monitoring Division).

In 1999, he was appointed Commissioner of Forest of GFC, and has served under successive administrations.

“His wealth of knowledge and experience about the sector has helped to advance the work of the Commission

Retired: James Singh

and the management of Guyana's forests, leading to its international recognition as one of the most sustainable forests in the world,” the ministry said.

Following the retirement of Singh, the Board of Directors of the Guyana Forestry Commission ( G F C ) a d v i s e d t he Minister that Deputy

Commissioner Agard will act in the position pending the identification and appointment of a new Commissioner.

Agard has served at the GFC since 2005 and was promoted to Deputy Commissioner of Forests in 2017.

“He brings both practical experience and technical

expertise to the leadership of the GFC as the agency advances its mandate,” the ministry said as it extended appreciation to Singh.

“Mr. Agard enjoys the full suppo r t o f t h e Government of Guyana, the Minister of Natural Resources and the Board of Directors of the GFC in the execution of his duties.

“Of critical importance to the Ministry, as a matter of priority for the new C o m m i s s i o n e r, i s t h e financial stability of the Commission, which has been threatened in recent times.

“The Ministry looks forward to continuing to support the GFC and to advancing the goals of sector to ensure that Guyana continues to be known for excellence in management of its forests.”

Full Court to hear application seeking to overturn ruling on Royston King's dismissal

O

n Monday, at 14:00hrs, an application by the Local Government Commission (LGC) to quash a ruling by the High Court which nullified the dismissal of former Town Clerk of Georgetown, Royston King, comes up for hearing at the Demerara Full Court before Justices Franklyn Holder and Nareshwar Harnanan.

On September 13, 2019, High Court Judge Simone Morris-Ramlall, while declaring that the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) which recommended that King be sacked as Town Clerk was null, void and of no legal effect, ruled that the LGC acted unlawfully in dismissing him from the post. In light of the ruling, King was awarded $200,000 in court costs.

In its attempts to have the judge's decisions overturned, the LGC highlighted what it claims to be several errors in law in her ruling. One of the errors highlighted in its Notice of Appeal is that the judge failed to consider or give adequate consideration to the fact that even at the stage of his application for judicial review at the High Court, King could not explain the allegations of misconduct leveled against him by the

Royston King LGC or the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) conducted into the affairs of the Mayor and City Council (M&CC).

The LGC's lawyers, Ronald Burch-Smith and Everton Singh-Lammy, are also contending that the judge committed errors of law when she found that the LGC did not have the authority to delegate its powers to a CoI. According to the lawyers, “The learned trial judge erred in law and fact in finding that the Local Government Commission had delegated its authority to the Commission of Inquiry to enquire into the allegations against Mr. Royston King.”

The LGC is further contending that the trial judge erred in law and fact by ignoring the evidence of the Local Government

Commission had given King an opportunity to be heard before making a determination in his matter.

It argues that the judge also erred, having found errors of procedure in the hearing of the Local Government Commission in exercising her discretion in granting the reliefs sought by King.

Apart from ruling that the LGC acted unlawfully in firing King, the Judge ruled that it had no legal authority to delegate its investigator powers to a Commission of Inquiry (CoI), as the Commission of Inquiry is not part of the LGC or the local government body. In the circumstances, the judge found that the setting up, investigations, findings and recommendations of the CoI are null, void and of no legal effect.

Among other things,

Justice Morris-Ramlall, in her judgment, noted that the LGC acted blindly upon the recommendations of the CoI when it instituted disciplinary charges against King and later terminated his services. The Judge said that there was no evidence to show that the LGC conducted any independent investigations.

The CoI was conducted from September 24, to November 30, 2018, and headed by retired Judge Cecil Kennard. The CoI in its report cited King for gross misconduct, abuse of office, recklessness, dishonesty, conspiracy, and misappropriation of funds.

A m o n g t h e recommendations made by the CoI was for King to be dismissed. King was sent on administrative leave on September 21, 2018, and subsequently had his services terminated.

King, through his lawyers Maxwell Edwards and Patrice Henry, had sought several orders from the High Court; one being for him to be reinstated to the post of Town Clerk. The, judge, however, refused to grant such an order. The ruling by Justice MorrisRamlall meant that King remains Town Clerk with the status quo being of

September 21, 2018 when he was ordered to proceed on administrative leave.

His lawyers said that King, who attains the statutory age of retirement in January 2020, is still entitled to all the benefits that come with the post. In his Fixed Date Application (FDA)

filed at the High Court, King, among other things, said that he protested the setting up and finding of the CoI. According to King, “I attended the aforesaid Commission of Inquiry, under protest, since it was unlawfully appointed and in (continued on page 23)

Kaieteur News

PAGE 20

Saturday January 11, 2020

Nandlall to lead a defence Guyanese must pay to access their account in two weeks for alleged for Online Transactions theft of law reports

F

ormer Attorney General, Anil Nandlall, will be leading his defence in two weeks, January 24, 2020, in relation to the alleged theft of Law Reports. He should have led his defence, yesterday.

However, Magistrates attended a training session with Judges, yesterday.

Last month Nandlall failed in another bid to have the charge against him quashed. He had approached the Court of Appeal to request a judicial review of a decision by Magistrate Fabayo Azore to overrule a no-case submission in his trial. Following the Magistrate's ruling, Nandlall was called on to lead a defence. The Court of Appeal in its ruling said that it will not intervene in the matter as the trial is already underway.

His charge alleged that between May 18, 2015 and May 29, 2015 while being a bailee, in his then capacity as Attorney General, he fraudulently converted 14 Commonwealth Law Reports valued at

Anil Nandlall $2,313,853, property of the Ministry of Legal Affairs, to his own use and benefit.

While the court said it can exercise its supervisory jurisdiction to review such a decision by a Magistrate, this is only in extreme and limited circumstances. The ruling of the Court of Appeal now paves the way for Magistrate Azore to continue hearing evidence in the trial, unless Nandlall appeals to the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ).

In the meantime, the former Attorney General,

who has pleaded not guilty to the charge, is out in self bail.

Nandlall was previously reported as saying that when he took up post as Attorney General, he did so at a loss and it was for that reason he agitated for the State to pay for the Law Reports.

He had said that the arrangement received the blessings of then Head of State Donald Ramotar.

However, investigators are contending that because the books were bought with State funds, they cannot be the property of Nandlall, and in fact the State should not have entered into such an arrangement in the first place.

The Ministry of Legal Affairs is contending that there is no evidence of an agreement between Nandlall and Ramotar. And even assuming that there was such an agreement, the use of public funds in this manner is a flagrant violation of the Financial Management and Accountability Act. Nandlall was charged after SOCU, an arm of the Guyana Police Force, completed investigations.

D

espite a range of complaints a g a i n s t Republic Bank (Guyana) Limited (RBL), the bank is still yet to address the numerous issues customers are facing, particularly the online purchasing system and the issuing of refunds.

Following the implementation of Republic Bank's new banking system, Manager of Marketing and Communications of Republic Bank, Ms. Michelle Johnson, in October explained that the restrictions were imposed on customer's Visa One Card as a measure to safeguard against any fraudulent activity, which customers of the bank have previously been victims of.

Just two days ago, via a letter to the editor in another section of the media, a customer wrote expressing their dissatisfaction with the state of affairs regarding RBL's online purchasing system.

In the letter titled “Very frustrating to do business at Republic Bank” the writer asserted that “for me to make

an online purchase and/or transaction I must first make contact with the bank's head office in Trinidad and Tobago for them to provide access to my account, which was opened in Guyana.”

The writer added that the task of having to call Trinidad whenever he/she needs to make an online transaction is very burdensome, since access is only granted for 24 hours.

Further, the costs of these calls are all incurred by the customer.

Another customer had previously stated that the telephone number provided is not functioning.

According to a source, customers are given the option to either call RBL's head office in Trinidad and Tobago or visit a local RBL agent to query on their behalf.

The bank had promised to liaise with the relevant bodies to have the restrictions removed but thus far there has been no word.

Additionally, in a letter dated January 7, 2020 titled “I need my refund from

Republic Bank” a customer explained her frustrations at a delayed action by the bank in issuing a refund.

In the letter, the customer highlighted that a dispute had been filed at the bank for various unknown charges and RBL promised to conduct an investigation.

According to customer, “To date, I have not received this refund and I have visited the bank several times about it.”

The customer further lamented, “I am appealing to Republic Bank to refund the monies taken from my account without my input and consent.”

On November 7, last, RBL in a notice informed customers of its transition to the new banking system. “ A s w i t h t h e introduction of any new system, we are experiencing some challenges.

We recognize the impact to our service delivery, and wish to assure you our valued customers and stakeholders, that we are committed to resolving these challenges in the shortest timeframe possible.”

Police hand over remains of Pastor beaten, robbed after slain eyewitness to mother armed bandits invaded home

P

astor Kalyan Etwaroo, called "Rohan", of Letter Kenny Village, Corentyne, Berbice is left with injuries to his back, arms, face and about his body after three armed men invaded his home Thursday morning around 1:30 am.

According to the religious leader who operates a full gospel church next door, he was in the upper flat of his home when he heard the sound of breaking glass. He thought there were cats in his kitchen.

He added that as he was making his way down to the bottom flat he was confronted by two masked men, one brandishing a gun and the other a cutlass.

"They asked me for the keys to the church (continued on page 22)

An injured Pastor Etwaroo Collin Rodney (inset) and the burnt remains of his vehicle

J

acqueline Hunte can finally bury her slain son, Collin Rodney.

Mrs. Hunte's long wait ended yesterday after police gave her Rodney's death certificate.

His remains were then transported to the city from Bailey's Funeral Home in Berbice.

She will be visiting a city funeral parlour today to proceed with funeral

arrangements.

On Wednesday, Crime Chief Michael Kingston informed Mrs. Hunte that DNA results confirmed that the burnt body found in the trunk of a car last November was that of her 26-year-old son.

The Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) had already confirmed that the chassis number on the burnt

The home of the pastor (left) and his church next door vehicle matched Rodney's car.

Rodney, and his silvergrey Toyota Allion, vanished on October 25, last.

His vehicle, with his burnt remains in the trunk, was found at Letter 'T', Mahaicony, East Coast Demerara, about a week later.

Police have not indicated (continued on page 22)

Saturday January 11, 2020

Kaieteur News

PAGE 21

Region Six paid 16 times more for medication

T

he Region Six administration in 2018 appeared not to be bothered by the price it was paying for drugs.

According to the recently leaked Auditor General's report for 2018 on Government's expenditure, examinations of the spending have raised worrying questions how that East Berbice administration was handling taxpayers' dollars.

The region had a response: they paid more because they did not buy in large quantities.

Under the system of drugs distribution to health centres and state-run hospitals, the Materials Management Unit (MMU) of the Ministry of Public Health is the entity that handles purchases.

The regions would request from MMU what they required. The regions would have budgets if there are shortages.

It appeared that in the examination of the 2018 expenditure, the Audit Office was not too convinced that the region checked with MMU before it made purchases at what seemed to be some exorbitant prices.

The leaked audit report said that a “comparison of the prices paid for drugs and medical supplies procured by the Regional Administration from local suppliers with that of the

- tells auditors it is “economies of scales” prices paid by MMU as indicated on the price listing submitted, revealed that for 52 items, the Regional Administration paid significantly higher prices when compared with MMU's prices.”

In fact, the region paid 300% more than MMU's prices for 11 of the 52 drugs and medical supplies purchased.

“In two instances, the region paid as much as 1669% and 1465% more than the MMU's price.”

In its response, Region Six officials indicated that the price paid by the regional administration for the purchase of drugs and medical supplies will differ from MMU due to “economies of scales”.

In its recommendation, the Audit Office urged that the regional administration ensured items needed are not available at the MMU for supply before such items are purchased by the region and that these purchases are in keeping with the Procurement Act. According to the list of drugs red-flagged as being purchased, one of the items was Risperidone, used to treat mood disorders.

MMU paid $13 each

while the region shockingly paid $230…1,600 percent more. The region bought 8,400.

State auditors said that the taxpayers lost $1.8M. The region, in 2018, also bought Surgical Gloves 7.5MMU paid $929 for a box of 25 pairs. The regional administration paid an astronomical $5,200. Had the region taken from the MMU, the savings would have been $342,000.

There were others instances. For example, there were purchases of Amikacin. Amikacin is an antibiotic used for a number of bacterial infections. This includes joint infections, intra-abdominal infections, meningitis, pneumonia, sepsis, and urinary tract infections.

MMU paid $186 for a vial. The region paid $2,910.

This added up to 1,465 percent more being paid by the MMU. For the many who know Hydrocortisone Cream, MMU paid $76 per tube while the region doled out $420 each. The loss was $103,000.

In recent years, there has been increasing evidence of wrongdoings when it came to the purchase of drugs, both at the ministry and at the regional levels.

GRA Boss blasts Auditor General for leaked report - Says it is erroneous, constitutes slackness GRA Commissioner General, Godfrey Statia

Auditor General, Deodat Sharma

T

he leaked 2018 Auditor General Report contains several inaccuracies, says Commissioner General of the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), Godfrey Statia.

In a missive to the press, Statia highlighted several instances where media reports on the leaked document were clear misrepresentations of the

facts. In one case, Statia noted that the Auditor General's report speaks to want of entry vehicles being disposed of in a manner that avoids the highest bidder, therefore preventing GRA from accumulating maximum revenue.

In addition to dismissing the impression that something nefarious was taking place, Statia noted that it is the right of the

authority to dispose of vehicles in a manner it deems fit.

Furthermore, the Commissioner General stated that at all times, vehicles are disposed of in accordance with the laws.

Statia also noted that the award goes to the highest bidder once the said bid is equal or above an amount sufficient to pay all (continued on page 22)

The Audit Office list of the prices paid at the MMU level and at the level of Region 6

Saturday January 11, 2020

Kaieteur News

Appeal against High Court order barring removal of persons from National Register of Registrants for Monday

PAGE 23

Pedal Cyclist crushed by lorry

Francis Lopes's lifeless body lying on the roadway

A

A

partial appeal to a judgment handed down last August, by Chief Justice Roxane George-Wiltshire, in which she ruled that it would be unconstitutional for the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) to remove the names of persons from the National Register of Registrants comes up for hearing on Monday at the Court of Appeal in Kingston.

Those names are of persons who were previously on the list but were not registered during the 2019 house-to-house registration. Non-residency in Guyana is not even a qualification for removal.

In the judgment, the Chief Justice issued an order that would make it unconstitutional to remove persons from the voters' list unless they are dead or otherwise disqualified in

accordance with Article 159 (2), (3) and (4) of the Constitution. Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Basil Williams, has taken issue with the order, and is seeking to have it reversed.

Specifically, Williams has taken issue with Justice George's ruling on the issue of persons being removed from the list because it was not an order that was sought

by Christopher Ram, who was first to institute legal proceedings on the legality of the house-to-house registration exercise.

In fact, Williams insists that by issuing such an order, the Chief Justice erred and misdirected herself in law.

Further, he contends, “The learned Trial Judge erred and was misconceived in law in finding that it would be unconstitutional to remove persons from the list

who had previously been on the list but were not registered during house-tohouse registration period because of non-residency in Guyana.

The learned Trial Judge erred and was misconceived in law by breaching the separation of powers doctrine where parliament clearly provided in Section 6 of National Registration Act, Chapter 19:08 Laws of Guyana for residency during house-to- house registration as at the 'qualifying date'.”

According to Williams, there was no evidence which established that there was a breach of the Constitution, the National Registration Act or any other law, and rather the evidence was consistent with the fact that GECOM acted in accordance with Article 159 (2) (c), 159 (5) and 162 of the (continued on page 24)

Full Court to hear application seeking to overturn ruling on Royston King's...

From page 19 breach of the Local Government Commission Act (supra) Laws of Guyana.”

He argued that inadmissible hearsay evidence was accepted and admitted in the CoI, which rendered his dismissal nugatory.

Among other things, King said that he was fired without being given a hearing by the LGC. He contended that the allegations leveled against him were criminal in nature, but unlike the universally unaccepted principle of equality, transparency and equity, the LGC acted as judge, jury and executioner in its own cause, as opposed to calling in the police and

obtaining advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions, since state assets and monies were allegedly involved.

In an affidavit, King said that he began working at age 24 with the M&CC permanently and continuously from 1989, as an Environmental Health Assistant, up until he became Press Officer, then later Public Relations Officer, and finally Town Clerk at the time of his summary dismissal..

He added, “My last appointment in the municipality was on July 14, 2015 in the capacity of Town Clerk for the city of Georgetown. While working in this capacity, many challenges would have

confronted the Council and those which are relevant to my appointment.

“I would devise all legal and lawful methods to discharge my functions earnestly, conscientiously and sincerely in the best interest of the Mayor and City Council of Georgetown.”

King, among other things, stated that since his unlawful dismissal, he was embarrassed, unemployed and deprived of his pension rights. Further to this, he says that he is not a contracted employee and as such has a legitimate expectation to be treated fairly, equally and in conformity with Article 149A of the Constitution, otherwise his right to work will be violated.

pedal cyclist met his demise yesterday after he was crushed by a passing motor lorry on the Enmore Railway Embankment Public road, just a stone's throw from the Enmore Police Station.

The dead man was identified as 79-year-old Francis Lopes, of 154 Seventh Street North, Enmore, East Coast Demerara.

According to police, the accident occurred at around 12:35hrs.

Kaieteur News understands that the lorry,

owned by one Chebsiraj Simbudyal, of 144 Logwood, Enmore, E.C.D was being driven by 37-year-old Vidyanand Simbudyal of the same address.

Reports are that the lorry was proceeding west along the southern side of the Enmore Railway Embankment Road when the driver crossed and stopped on the northern side to make a purchase at a roadside snackette.

The driver reportedly told police that on completion, he re-entered the truck and checked to see that the road was clear. He

allegedly saw nothing and drove off, later feeling an impact on to his rear wheel.

The vehicle stopped a few meters away and when the driver existed, he saw the pedal cyclist's lifeless body on the roadway. The man's skull had been crushed and he also sustained other injuries about his body.

Residents in the area disclosed that the man was riding out of a nearby yard on to the public road when the accident occurred. The driver of the lorry was subsequently taken into custody and is assisting with investigations.

PAGE 24

Saturday January 11, 2020

Kaieteur News

Appeal against High Court order...

From page 23 Constitution. Williams, therefore, argues that, “(Justice George) erred and was misconceived in law when she breached the separation of powers doctrine by purporting to issue instructions to GECOM, a Constitutional independent actor to not remove persons who are presently registered from the current National Register of Registrants (NRR) but who are not registered under new house-to-house registra-

tion from the current National Register of Registrants.”

“The learned Trial Judge erred and was misconceived in law when she failed to appreciate that pursuant to Article 159 (5) of the Constitution and Sections 6 and 9 of the National Registration Act Chapter 19: 08, GECOM had embarked on compiling a new National Register of Registrants (NRR) which effectively replaces the current.”

He contends, too, that Justice George erred and was

misconceived in law in finding that Article 159 (5) of the Constitution which addresses the 'qualifying date' is only applicable to persons 14 years or older for purposes of registration as at October 31, and not all Guyanese citizens. It is his view that the Chief Justice failed to apply any cannons of interpretation in order to arrive at such a conclusion.

According to the Attorney General, Justice George erred in law when she failed to appreciate that the issue of

house-to-house registration and what register should be used for elections and the qualifying date were fully ventilated at the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ).

“The learned Trial Judge erred and was misconceived in law in finding that there is no law or laws in Guyana which set out additional requirements more particularly residence for purposes of Article 159 (2) ( c ) of the Constitution by failing to properly address her mind to Sections 6 of the National Registration

Act, Chapter 19:08 Laws of Guyana.”

Contending that the Chief Justice once again erred in law, Williams argues that she failed to properly construe Section Six of the National Registration Act, Chapter 19:08 in order to find that residency is a requirement of the Act for the purposes of registration during the period of the 'qualifying date.' Among other things, he argues that Justice George erred in law and misdirected herself on the evidence as a whole.

In a Notice of Appeal, Williams lists Ram; Chief Elections Officer (CEO), Keith Lowenfield, and the Commissioner of National Registration as the Respondents. Follow this link for a synopsis on the Chief Justice's ruling on the issue: https:// www.kaieteurnewsonline.com/ 2019/09/01/a-synopsis-ofthe-chief-justices-ruling-onremoving-the-name-of-a-person-who-is-currently-onthe-list-of-registrants-during-house-to-house-registration/

Saturday January 11, 2020

Kaieteur News

PAGE 25

PAGE 26

Kaieteur News

Saturday January 11, 2020

Saturday January 11, 2020

BCB selects appointed...

From page 30 Competitions Committee.

Neil Rudder would serve as Vice Chairman and Ameer Rahaman as Secretary. The other members are Karran Ramsammy (Whim), Gregory Crandon (Guymine), Narine Deonarine (Chesney), Lyken Edwards (Edinburgh), Robby Saywack (Bushlot), Amir Khan (Blairmont) and Winston Smith (Ramnarine Memorial).

Former national youth player Balram Samaroo heads the crucial Selection Committee, while national youth player Kellon Henry would serve as his deputy. Leslie Solomon would be the Secretary and Chief Record Keeper. The other selectors are O. Outar, Winston Smith, Surendra Kissoonlall and Roshan Gafoor.

Successful Cricket Coach Albert Smith heads the Cricket Development Committee,

which has been mandated to come up with recommendations to lift Berbice Cricket higher on the cricket field. Other members are Winston Smith, Balram Samaroo, Tremayne Smartt, O. Outar, Floyd Benjamin, Lakeram Latham and Glenford Fordyce. Treasurer Dr. Cecil Beharry and Asst Treasurer Rovin Bahadur were appointed Chairman and Vice Chairman of the BCB Financial Committee. Secretary Angela Haniff, Amir Khan, Brian Baker and Gregory Rambarran would be the other members of the Financial Committee. Attorney at Law Arun Goosai would continue to serve as Legal Advisor to the board.

President Hilbert Foster and his elected executives would meet the appointed executives and members of the different committees to discuss plans for 2020/2021.

PAGE 27

Kaieteur News

Kenya’s Kipsang provisionally suspended...

Gold medalist Wilson Kipsang of Kenya poses on podium at the Tokyo Marathon 2017. (REUTERS/Toru Hanai file photo) From page 27 About 60 Kenyan athletes have been sanctioned for antidoping rule violations in the past five years.

They include 2008

Saturday January 11, 2020 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Some rather bizarre dreams could come to you tonight. The symbols may include people or objects that you would never have thought of consciously in a hundred years.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) A financial windfall might be in the stars for you. This isn't anything you would have expected. Perhaps it's a bonus, repayment of a loan you'd long since forgotten.

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20) Do you have plans to go to a party tonight? Don't cancel them. If you're single, an exciting new potential love partner might be introduced to you, and you could spend the entire evening together.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) An exciting group activity, perhaps one involving a number of your friends, could take place today, Scorpio. Your mind may be going a thousand miles an hour throughout the day.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Some unexpected changes could happen today. You could find yourself confronting the prospect of having to get used to some new and totally stateof-the-art equipment that you've never used before.

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) Surprising and very fortunate events could take place today, Sagittarius. This could be an advancement that you weren't expecting.

CANCER (June 21–July 22) Are you flying today, or perhaps going somewhere by train? If so, you might meet someone fascinating on the trip.

CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) If you're involved in a creative project, Capricorn, your imagination might seem to have deserted you. You might rack your brain trying to think up new ideas but draw a blank every time.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Have you just bought some new equipment for your home? This could be a new computer, a state-of-the-art entertainment system, or perhaps a new appliance.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) A friend may ask for your assistance with regard to finances in some way. It's nothing major, but it might involve a choice that your friend needs to make.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) An unexpected phone call, perhaps from an old friend, could come your way today, Virgo. This person is apt to have good news for you, although he or she may be in a rather melancholy mood.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) A close friend or love partner may not be returning your calls, Pisces, and your insecurities could well get the best of you, causing you to think your friend doesn't care anymore.

Olympic 1,500m champion Asbel Kiprop, 2016 Olympic marathon winner Jemimah Sumgong and former Boston and Chicago Marathon winner Rita Jeptoo.

PAGE 28

Saturday January 11, 2020

Kaieteur News

Rahul, Dhawan help India clinch T20 series over Sri Lanka

KL Rahul’s 54 helped India reach 201 for six. (AFP / Dibyangshu Sarkar) AFP - Openers KL Rahul and Shikhar Dhawan smashed half-centuries as India thrashed Sri Lanka by 78 runs in the third Twenty20 international to clinch the series 2-0 yesterday.

Rahul, who top-scored with 54, and Dhawan, who hit 52, put on 97 runs for the opening wicket as India amassed 201 for six after being put in to bat in Pune.

Paceman Navdeep Saini claimed three wickets to help dismiss Sri Lanka for 123 in 15.5 overs despite a fighting 57 by Dhananjaya de Silva.

Saini sent back De Silva after his 36-ball knock and then got skipper Lasith Malinga for nought as the islanders lost their second straight match after the opening T20 was abandoned due to rain.

Manish Pandey and Shardul Thakur also played key roles with batting cameos that helped India take 63 runs from the last five overs.

Pandey, scoring 31 off 18 balls, and Thakur, with an eight-ball 22, put on an unbeaten 37-run stand for the

India huddle up after taking a wicket. (BCCI) seventh wicket and the duo managed to get 19 runs off the last over.

Earlier the left-handed Dhawan was dropped on one by Dasun Shanaka at deep square leg off Angelo Mathews and made the most of the spill as he recorded his 10th T20 fifty in just 34 balls.

Left-arm wrist spinner Lakshan Sandakan finally got Dhawan and struck twice in

his next over to send back Rahul and Shreyas Iyer, for four, trudging back to the pavilion as India slipped to 122-4.

Skipper Virat Kohli, who dropped himself to number six in the batting order, then took the attack to the opposition with a 17-ball 26 before being run out while attempting a second run.

Sri Lanka were never in the chase after losing their

top three batsmen for 15 runs and then slipping to 26 for four.

De Silva and Mathews, who made 31, put on 68 for the fifth wicket to raise Sri Lankan hopes but Washington Sundar struck back to break the partnership.

Sundar and Thakur took two wickets each.

Pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah became India’s highest wicket-taker in the

T20 format with 53 scalps after he struck first with the wicket of Danushka Gunathilka for one.

India now host Australia for three one-day internationals starting Tuesday in Mumbai.

Scores: India 201 for 6 (Rahul 54, Dhawan 52, Sandakan 3-35) beat Sri Lanka 123 (Dhananjaya 57, Mathews 31, Saini 3-28, Thakur 2-19) by 78 runs.

Shane Warne’s baggy green sold for over one million dollars ESPNcricinfo - Shane Warne’s baggy green, which he put up for auction to raise funds for bushfire relief, has been bought by the Commonwealth Bank for over one million dollars.

With minutes to go in the auction, the figure crossed into the million mark with the website listing an ‘MC’ from Sydney making the final bid of AUD1,007,500. It later emerged that MC stood for CBA chief executive Matt Comyn who said that the bank - who are one of Cricket Australia’s major partners - would take the baggy green on a tour around Australia to raise further money before putting it on display at the Bradman Museum in Bowral.

“I am delighted that CBA has been able to secure Shane’s cherished

baggy green cap,” Comyn said. “This has not only raised another $1 million for bushfire relief, it will also enable us to raise further funds for the bushfire appeal as the cap commences a fundraising tour across the country before retiring as a permanent exhibit at the Bradman Museum in Bowral to be enjoyed by all Australians and cricket fans.

“I want to thank and commend Shane for giving up one of his most cherished possessions for such an important cause.

He has demonstrated the same Aussie spirit we are seeing across the country with acts of generosity and dedication throughout this disaster as communities rally to support each other.”

Moments after bidding closed, Warne tweeted: “Thank you so much to everyone that placed a bid & a huge Thank you / congrats to the successful bidder - you have blown me away with your generosity and this was way beyond my expectations! The

money will go direct to the Red Cross bushfire appeal.”

The auction was being held to raise funds for the bushfire appeal, with the disaster hitting large parts of Australia. In addition to Warne, another legendary former bowler has also put his baggy green up for auction in Jeff Thomson.

The price for Warne’s cap is the highest ever bid for a baggy green, beating the AUD 425,000 that was bid for Don Bradman’s cap in January 2003.

“The impact these devastating fires are having on so many people is unthinkable and has t o u c h e d u s a l l , ” Wa r n e said. “I hope my Baggy Green can raise some significant funds to help all those people who are in desperate need.”

Warne, 50, is Australia’s m o s t s u c c e s s f u l Te s t bowler with 708 wickets, and is commonly regarded as the game’s greatest ever legspinner.

Thomson, 69, played 51 Tests for Australia from 1973 to 1985, taking 200

wickets, and was widely held to be the fastest bowler in the world.

He will be auctioning his last remaining baggy green and his cricket vest. All funds raised through the auction of Thomson’s items will be donated to charities and fire services.

“I don’t have much of my memorabilia left, so these two items are quite rare and special,” Thomson said.

“It’s hard to say what these pieces may go for, but I just hope that they can raise some decent funds that will really make a difference for all of those in need right now.”

There are also discussions taking place about the possibility of staging a bushfire relief match which could feature former stars including Warne.

Cricket has launched a number of fund-raising initiatives for the bushfire appeal including players in the BBL donating money for sixes hit and wickets taken, signed shirts being auctioned off while the ODIs between Australia and New Zealand in March will be used for the appeal.

Shane Warne with his cap which funds from its sale will go to the fire relief programme. (Shane Warne Twitter)

Saturday January 11, 2020

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Kaieteur News

Father’s memory was an inspiration, says hero Walsh BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, CMC – Hayden Walsh jr said he used the 10th anniversary of his father’s death to inspire him late Thursday, as he produced a gutsy performance to help West Indies win a nail-biter against Ireland.

Recalling “nervewracking” moments in the final over when West Indies survived two run out chances to pull off a one-wicket victory with a ball to spare in the second One-Day International, Walsh said the memory of his father, Hayden Walsh sr, had played a key role in his crucial unbeaten 46.

Walsh sr, who played 18 first class games for Leeward Islands, died on January 9, 2010.

“I got the inspiration today … today marks the 10th anniversary of my father’s death and I got that inspiration today to actually take the team over the line,” Walsh jr told reporters afterwards.

“He taught me everything I know in cricket. Many people know he was a very good cricketer and this was part of our dream for me to represent the West Indies and win matches for the people of the West Indies.”

West Indies appeared poised for defeat after slumping to 148 for seven in

Hayden Walsh jr held his nerve to hit an unbeaten 46 and steer West Indies to victory. (Photo courtesy CWI Media) the 29th over, in pursuit of a straightforward 238 for victory at Kensington Oval.

But the 27-year-old Walsh jr came to his side’s rescue in a 67-ball knock which included four fours, adding 52 for the eighth wicket with Khary Pierre (18) and 32 for the ninth with Alzarri Joseph (16) before holding his nerve with last man Sheldon Cottrell, who finished on seven not out.

Requiring five runs from the last over, Cottrell was twice let off as Ireland bungled clear run out chances. The former soldier than blasted the penultimate

delivery of the match from seamer Mark Adair over extra cover for six, to earn West Indies a dramatic win.

“It was nerve-wracking. I went down to Sheldon and [he said he wasn’t in] but he thinks that the guy (Adair) dropped the ball so he was a little bit more confident on that one,” Walsh jr said of the first run out.

“The last one (run out), I didn’t expect him (Cottrell) to come back for [the second run] because the [fielder] actually had the ball in his hands so I didn’t want to take any unwanted risks and lose a wicket.”

He added: “I also backed Sheldon to do a part – I wasn’t really looking to get the strike unless it was the last ball or so. I was hoping that he would get a single or we could scramble one and I could face the last ball.”

Walsh jr, in only his second ODI for West Indies and seventh overall, said the effort had taken a lot out of him.

“It was just a bit overwhelming. I was talking myself through the whole innings to get over the line. It was just like a long journey.

[It] felt like I ran a whole marathon.”

Veterans, newcomers alike romp into NFL divisional playoff round (Reuters) - The four battle-hardened winners of the NFL’s wild card games roll onto the next round of playoffs this weekend, with a mix of veterans and relative newcomers all vying to clear the latest hurdle on the path to the Super Bowl.

Having toppled the heavy favorites New Orleans Saints in their wild card clash, the Minnesota Vikings hope to beat the odds yet again today as they face off against the San Francisco 49ers, who enjoyed a stellar 13-win and three-loss regular season.

Niners quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo, who previously played second-fiddle to Tom Brady in New England, will play in a post-season game for the first time, along with fellow playoffs newcomer George Kittle, the league’s strongest-performing tight end.

“Jimmy’s been doing it all year, every prime time game he shows up, plays well,” Kittle told reporters on Wednesday. “He’s going to

play really well.”

The stellar 14-2 Baltimore Ravens, with their seemingly invincible 23-year-old quarterback Lamar Jackson, play host to the Tennessee Titans, a year after falling short in their wild card game against the Los Angeles Chargers.

“We just have to lock in mentally and spiritually and get ready to play our best football on Saturday night, and that’s what we’ll be shooting for,” head coach John Harbaugh told reporters on Thursday.

Tomorrow’s action kicks off with the Houston Texans traveling to Kansas City in the weekend’s most lopsided matchup, with oddsmakers expecting the Chiefs to win the game handily as 24-yearold quarterback Patrick Mahomes builds on his experience in the league.

“The only thing that’s really different (from last year) is just having the experience,” Mahomes told reporters on Wednesday. “I understand

‘Universe Boss’ Gayle wants five more years at least

Chris Gayle says he still has “a lot to offer” (AFP Photo/Randy Brooks) Dhaka (AFP) - West Indies batting star Chris Gayle has swatted away talk of his retirement from cricket soon, suggesting he wants to be at the crease for at least five more years.

Gayle arrived in Bangladesh this month to play in the domestic Twenty20 league after initially voicing surprise at his inclusion in the tournament’s draft, claiming he was taking a break from the sport.

But speaking on Thursday, the hard hitter said he was in good health and still had “a lot to offer”.

“A lot of people still want to see Chris Gayle out in the middle. I still have that love for the game and that passion for the game. I would love to carry on as long as possible in T20 and franchise cricket as well,” he told reporters in Bangladesh.

“Let’s talk at 45. I think that’s a good number,” added Gayle, who turned 40 last year.

Though he has not appeared for the West Indies since a one-day international against India in August, Gayle kept himself open for the selection for November’s Twenty20 World Cup in Australia.

“It would be nice. Like I said, the door is open for a chance. Let’s see what happens.” he said.

“We have some bright youngsters ahead as well. I have left the option open to hear back from them as well and see if they want the Universe Boss,” he said.

Gayle played in several editions of the Bangladesh Premier League and is the tournament’s highest run scorer among foreign players.

He had his debut for the current season on Tuesday with the Chattogram Challengers, scoring 23 off 10 balls, including three sixes in one over, in a narrow win against the Rajshahi Royals.

Kenya’s Kipsang provisionally suspended for anti-doping violations San Francisco 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (10) talks with Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (3) following a 26-21 San Francisco victory at CenturyLink Field. (Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports file photo) how much every single play counts. How much every single rep in practice counts and how you really have to take advantage of every single opportunity you get.”

Tomorrow’s NFC matchup, meanwhile, features a clash of Super Bowl veterans, with the Green Bay Packers welcoming the Seattle

Seahawks to their home turf.

The game is expected to be the most tightly contested of the weekend, featuring former Super Bowl MVP Aaron Rodgers leading the Packers into their first postseason appearance since 2016 against seven-time Pro Bowler Russell Wilson’s Seattle team.

LONDON (Reuters) Kenyan Wilson Kipsang, former marathon world record holder and bronze medallist at the 2012 Olympics, has been provisionally suspended for whereabouts failures and tampering with samples, the Athletics Integrity Unit said on its Twitter account yesterday.

Under anti-doping regulations, athletes have to inform testing authorities of their whereabouts for a one hour window of every day and three failures — not being present at the said time — within 12 months leads to an automatic ban. No further details of his offences were immediately available from the

AIU. Kipsang, 37, is twice a winner of the London Marathon and has a personal best of two hours, 3 minutes, 13 seconds — making him the equal sixth-fastest man in history. His time of 2:03.23 at the 2013 Berlin Marathon stood as the world record for a year.

He has also won the 2014 New York Marathon and 2017 Tokyo Marathon.

Kenya was among the countries placed on the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA’s) compliance watch list in 2016 and Kipsang is the latest Kenyan athlete to be charged with a rule violation.

(Continued on page 25)

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Saturday January 11, 2020

Kaieteur News

Jaguars in driving seat on DaSilva, Cariah hundreds rain interrupted day 2 of CWI silence Scorpions Regional 4-day cricket NORTH SOUND, Antigua, – Guyana Jaguars, choosing to bat first, and resuming on their overnight 210 for four wickets after the opening day of their day/ night first round match in the Regional Four-Day Championship against Leeward Islands Hurricanes at the Vivian Richards Cricket Ground, rallied to a comfortable 388 all out in their first innings.

Led by Christopher Barnwell who blasted 82 down the order, the Jaguars finished on a score they would have been happy with.

Raymon Reifer 47 and Devendra Bishoo 40 offered support in the lower order.

This was after the top tier; Tagenarine Chanderpaul 60, Chanderpaul Hemraj 52, Leon Johnson 59 and Vishaul Singh 25; gave the side a good launch pad.

Damion Jacobs was the pick of the Hurricanes bowlers with 4 for 89, while Kacey Carty and Qunton Boatswain picked up 2 wickets apiece for 72 and 73 runs respectively.

In reply the Hurricanes were in a bit of bother at 125 for 5 with Kieran Powell making 34.

Rain stopped play with Jahmar Hamilton (23) and Jacques Taylor (11) the not out batsmen as they still need a further 263 runs to overhaul

the Jaguars’ first innings total. Nial Smith has picked up 3 for 29 and there was a wicket each for Keon Joseph and Barnwell.

Scores: JAGUARS 388 (Tagenarine Chanderpaul 60, Leon Johnson 59, Chanderpaul Hemraj 52, Vishaul Singh 25, Christopher Barnwell 82, Raymon Reifer 47, Devendra Bishoo 40: Damion Jacobs was the pick of the bowlers with 4 for 89, while Kacey Carty a n d Q u n t o n B o a tswain picked up 2 wickets apiece for 72 and 73) vs HURRICANES 125 for 5 (Kieran Powell 34, Jahmar Hamilton 23 not out, Jacques Taylor 11 not out, Nial Smith 3-29.

Wozniacki, Williams set up busy weekend in Auckland \WELLINGTON (Reuters) - Caroline Wozniacki and Serena Williams guaranteed themselves a busy weekend at the Auckland Classic as they both advanced yesterday to the semi-finals of the singles and the final of the doubles.

Wozniacki ended not only her hex at the hands of Julia Goerges but also the German’s 12-match unbeaten run in New Zealand’s largest city with the 6-1 6-4 victory to join good friend Williams in today’s singles semi-finals.

Williams had earlier overcome tricky winds to beat Germany’s Laura Siegemund 6-4 6-3.

The pair then combined in the last match on the main court at the Auckland Tennis Centre to beat Belgian pair Kirsten Flipkens and Alison Van Uytvanck 7-6 (9) 6-2 and advance to tomorrow’s doubles final.

“It feels great, it has been so much fun,” said Wozniacki, who only entered the doubles with Williams to play together once before the Dane retires after the Australian Open. “I’m so happy to be playing with Serena and so happy to still be in the singles.”

The results set up the possibility of a perfect farewell to Auckland for Wozniacki, who’s established herself as a crowd favourite after playing the tournament every year since 2015.

She had lost her two previous matches in Auckland

Caroline Wozniacki of Denmark in action against Naomi Osaka of Japan.

(REUTERS/Jason Lee file photo) to the two-time defending champion Goerges, including in the final in 2018.

Wozniacki, however, showed no signs of fatigue from a two- hour, 19-minute, three-set match against 2017 champion Lauren Davis that went late into Thursday’s evening session. She beat the 31-year-old Goerges 6-1 6-4 in just 75 minutes.

“I have had some tough matches against Julia in the past and I knew this one would be tough as well,” Wozniacki said.

“Even though it was 6-1 in the first set, I still felt a lot of pressure, because she has big serves and big shots so I needed to fight for every point.”

Wozniacki will now face Jessica Pegula in the semi-finals.

The American became the first player to qualify for the last four when France’s Alize Cornet retired with a leg injury in the second set of their quarter-final.

Pegula had been leading 6-0 3-2 when Cornet retired.

Top seed Williams will next meet third seed Amanda Anisimova, who needed almost two hours to beat Canadian wild card Eugenie Bouchard 6-2 3-6 6-4 in the first match of the evening session.

“It has been my lifelong dream,” the 18-year-old Anisimova said of facing Williams today. “I said before the tournament that my biggest wish was to play her before she retires so I am honestly the happiest I have ever been.”

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, CMC – Joshua DaSilva stroked a maiden first class hundred and Yannic Cariah his fourth, as Trinidad and Tobago Red Force’s batsmen dominated Jamaica Scorpions on day two of their first round match in the Regional Four-Day Championship here Friday.

The 21-year-old DaSilva top-scored with an unbeaten 113 while Cariah, 27, struck exactly 100 not out, two innings that helped fire the hosts to a massive 460 for four declared in their first innings at the Brian Lara Stadium.

Off-spin n e r B ryan Charles then snatched two wickets as Scorpions stumbled before recovering to reach the close on 94 for three, with Paul Palmer unbeaten on 31 and West Indies limited overs star Rovman Powell on 25 not out.

Scorpions trail by 366 runs heading into today’s day three.

The day, however, belonged to DaSilva and Cariah, especially after captain Darren Bravo added only 16 to his overnight 50, to dash hopes of a century for the elegant left-hander.

Overall, he faced 166 deliveries in a shade under four hours and counted five fours and two sixes, extending his fourth wicket stand with DaSilva to 86, after Red Force resumed the day

Left-hander Yannic Cariah. on 241 for three.

With the score on 300, however, he played across a full length delivery on leg stump from seamer Derval Green, who was Scorpions’ best bowler with two for 97, and was adjudged lbw.

There was no further success for Scorpions as Red Force were then carried by a superb unbroken fifth wicket stand of 160 between DaSilva and Cariah.

In only his ninth first class outing, the right-handed DaSilva faced 211 deliveries in just over five hours and struck eight fours and six.

Meanwhile, Cariah carved out seven fours and two sixes in a knock requiring only 135 balls in just over 2-½ hours.

Needing a strong reply, Scorpions were handed a decent start of 32 from captain and Test opener John Campbell (16) and Assad Fudadin (9) before Charles intervened.

He first trapped Campbell

lbw, five balls after Fudadin perished at the hands of fast bowler Terrance Hinds, and then returned to bowl Test batsman Jermaine Blackwood for six.

Tottering on 53 for three, Scorpions were stabilised by Palmer and Powell who have so far put on 41 in an unbroken fourth wicket partnership.

Scores: At Brian Lara S t a d i u m (TAROUBA): Scorpions trail by 366 runs with seven first innings wickets remaining.

TRINIDAD & TOBAGO RED FORCE 460 for four decl. (Joshua DaSilva 113 not out, Yannic Cariah 100 not out, Keagan Simmons 89, Jeremy Solozano 73, Darren Bravo 66; Derval Green 2-98).

J A M A I C A SCORPIONS 94 for three (Paul Palmer 31 not out, Rovman Powell 25 not out; Bryan Charles 2-34).

Man City fan handed five-year ban for racially abusing Sterling

Manchester City’s Raheem Sterling. (REUTERS/Phil Noble) (Reuters) - A Manchester City fan was banned from football matches for five years by Manchester Magistrates’ Court yesterday after he pleaded guilty to racially abusing England forward Raheem Sterling.

Ian Baldry, 58, made a racist remark after Man City forward Sterling scored against Bournemouth in a Premier League match in

Dec. 2018, a previous hearing at the court was told.

Baldry, who told the court he has since regretted using the language, was also ordered to carry out 200 hours of community service.

Sterling did not hear the comment at the time, although it was heard by a number of supporters, the court was told.

Saturday January 11, 2020

Osaka prevails in third three-setter in Brisbane, faces Pliskova next (Reuters) - Third seed Naomi Osaka survived another testing three-setter to beat Dutchwoman Kiki Bertens 6-3 3-6 6-3 yesterday, setting up a semi-final clash with defending champion Karolina Pliskova at the Brisbane International.

It was Osaka’s third consecutive three-setter in the tournament and the former world number one eventually prevailed in two hours to reach the semi-finals for the second year in a row at the Pat Rafter Arena.

As a result, the 22-yearold will leapfrog Simona Halep to rise to third in the singles rankings as the Japanese prepares to defend her Australian Open crown later this month.

“I tried to defend in my U.S. Open title and that didn’t work out so well, so I hope it’s better for me this time around,” Osaka said in a postmatch interview after her 14th consecutive win since her last-16 exit at Flushing Meadows.

After both players won a set each, the opening game of the third set — which lasted 11 minutes — proved to be the turning point when Osaka saved three break points to take the lead.

Osaka then broke again at 3-2 to take control of the match, bringing up three

NBA roundup: Thunder spoil Westbrook’s return to OKC

Naomi Osaka of Japan in action against Ashleigh Barty of Australia.

(REUTERS/Thomas Peter file photo) match points with only her fourth ace of the contest before an unforced error from Bertens gave her the win.

Second seed Pliskova overcame a difficult opening set to beat American Alison Riske 7-6(6) 6-3 in one hour and 55 minutes.

The Czech improved her WTA head-to-head record to 7-0 against Riske but was forced to save two set points in a tight first set.

After clinching the opener in a tiebreak, Pliskova switched gears to move ahead early in the second set before sealing victory at the third opportunity by securing another service break.

Pliskova’s most recent

meeting with Osaka ended in a heartbreaking defeat in Australian Open semi-finals last year.

“Last time we played in Melbourne and it was pretty close, all the matches are always one break in each set,” Pliskova said.

“There’s not many chances because she can serve well, I can serve well, so it’s going to be about couple points.”

In the other quarter-final matches, fifth seed Petra Kvitova beat giant killer Jennifer Brady 6-4 6-2 while American Madison Keys beat compatriot Danielle Collins 6-4 6-1 in just 66 minutes.

NBS 2019 40 overs Second Division Tournament

Guymine defeat Police to join 15 other teams in playoff - Rose Hall Town Tigers advance to Quarterfinals The Berbice Cricket Board is pushing ahead with its plan to complete the ninety teams New Building Society 40 overs Second Division Tournament by the end of February. The tournament involved the teams advancing to the playoffs. Guymine was the latest team to the reach the playoffs with three wickets victory over Police.

Meanwhile, Rose Hall Town Tigers have already advanced to the Quarter finals after they crushed Chesney by ten wickets at the Jai Hind Ground in the lone playoff match to be played to date.

Guymine bowled out Police for 80 runs in 20 overs with Kedar Amsterdam top scoring with 25. Keshan Ramsarran 5 for 27, Joel Seitram 4 for 16 and Gregory Crandon 1 for 1 were the wicket takers for Guymine. In reply, Guymine reached 81

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Kaieteur News

for 7 in fifteen overs with Seitram and Ramsarran returning with the bat to score 19 and 16 respectively.

At the Jai Hind Ground, Rose Hall Tigers crushed Chesney by ten wickets in a match reduced to 20 overs due to overnight rain. Former national 20/20 Player Imran Khan smashed 68 which include three boundaries and seven maximums to lead Chesney to 147 for 3 from their allotted overs. S. Gajnabi not out 34 and Ricky Amoi 20 not out offered support to Khan.

In return former national youth players Balchand Baldeo and Khemraj Mahadeo led their team to victory by putting on 148 without loss in just 12.2 overs.

Baldeo blasted seven sixes and six boundaries in the small ground to be unbeaten on 86, while Mahadeo was also undefeated on 39 including two sweetly timed boundaries and two huge

maximums.

Meanwhile, after meeting with clubs in Zone three and Zone sixteen, the BCB has declared that Cotton Tree Cotton Tree and No 48 Challengers as winners of the Zone respectively based on net run-rate.

Sixteen of the nineteen Zones have already had winners declared, while the remaining three would be decided shortly. The winners are Zone 1-Blairmont, Zone 2-D Edward, Zone 3-Cotton Tree, Zone 4-Tucber Park, Zone 5- to be declared, Zone 6-Guymine, Zone 7-to be decided, Zone 8-RH Tigers, Zone 9-To be decided, Zone 10-Chesney, Zone 11, Albion CC, Zone 12-Belvedere-CC, Zone 13-Fyrish CC, Zone 14Skeldon CC, Zone 15-Cut and Load CC, Zone 16-No 48 Challengers CC, Zone 17Bomb Squad, Zone 18-No 64 Fighting Marine, Zone 19-No 70 Spartans.

Houston Rockets guard Russell Westbrook (0) dunks against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second half at Chesapeake Energy Arena. (Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports) Houston’s Russell Westbrook scored 34 points in his return to Oklahoma City, but the Thunder controlled the game from early on to beat the Rockets 113-92 Thursday night. Westbrook starred 11 seasons for the Thunder, helping Oklahoma City to nine playoff appearances and one NBA Finals, before being traded to the Rockets in the offseason. He received a video tribute then a lengthy ovation from the Chesapeake Energy Arena fans after his pregame introduction.

Danilo Gallinari led Oklahoma City with 23 points, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander added 20 and Chris Paul put in 18. All three were traded to the Thunder from the Los Angeles Clippers for Paul George.

Westbrook was 14 of 26 from the floor but the Rockets’ other star, James Harden, was just 5 of 17 from the floor and 2 of 9 from behind the 3-point line to finish with a season-low 17 points.

Philadelphia 76ers 109 Boston Celtics 98 Josh Richardson scored 29 points, Ben Simmons added 19 points and nine rebounds and host

Philadelphia defeated Boston.

Al Horford contributed 17 points and Tobias Harris had 16 for the Sixers, who played without All-Star center Joel Embiid. Earlier in the day, it was announced that Embiid will have surgery Friday for a torn ligament on the fourth metacarpal on his left hand and be re-evaluated in one to two weeks.

The Sixers improved to 182 at home.

Cleveland Cavaliers 115 Detroit Pistons 112 (OT) Tristan Thompson poured in a career-high 35 points and grabbed 14 rebounds and Cleveland finished overtime on a 9-2 run to defeat host Detroit.

Kevin Love scored 17 points, including the goahead 3-pointer, and had nine rebounds as the Cavaliers avenged a two-point loss to the Pistons on Tuesday.

Darius Garland had 20 points and Collin Sexton tossed in 19 for Cleveland.

Andre Drummond racked up 28 points and 23 rebounds for Detroit. Derrick Rose scored 27 points off the bench and added seven rebounds and five assists.

Bruce Brown finished with 17 points and eight assists.

Minnesota Timberwolves 116 - Portland Trail Blazers 102 Andrew Wiggins scored 23 points and added a season-best eight assists as Minnesota rolled past Portland in Minneapolis despite missing star center Karl-Anthony Towns (knee) for the 12th straight game.

Robert Covington added 15 points, and Gorgui Dieng recorded 12 points and 10 rebounds for the Timberwolves. Jeff Teague had 12 points and six assists, Jarrett Culver added 12 points and six rebounds, and Keita Bates-Diop had 11 points and eight rebounds as Minnesota improved to 5-3 since ending a season-long 11-game losing streak.

Damian Lillard registered 20 points and eight assists for Portland, which lost for the seventh time in the past nine games. Hassan Whiteside added 15 points and 14 rebounds, CJ McCollum also had 15 points and Gary Trent Jr. tallied 13.

(Field Level Media)

Nigel Hinds Annual Berbice Basketball Mecca Classic Final set for today The final of the Nigel Hinds Annual Berbice Basketball Mecca Classic will be played at the New Amsterdam Basketball Court today from 7:00 PM. In the Final - Canje Knights will battle with Rose Hall Town Jammers for $100,000 in Prize money. The runner up will receive $75,000.

Stars from Guyana’s Under 21 Club

Champions Plaisance Guardians from Region 4, and the Hopetown Steelers, the Region 5 First Division Basketball Champions will showcase the supporting game.

Fans will receive prizes, enjoy a halftime show and musical entertainment.

The Tournament is sponsored by Nigel Hinds Financial Services.

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Kaieteur News

Guyanese off to winning start in UWI T20 Tourney Led by a five-wicket haul from 31-year-old Skipper Steven Jacobs and a halfcentury from28-yearoldTrevon Griffith, Malteenoes All-Stars beat Tobago Marlinby 82 runs in their opening game in the UWI-Unicom T20 tournament yesterday at the Sir Frank Worrell Cricket Ground at UWI SPEC. The left-handed Griffith hammered an entertaining 53 decorated with five fours and three sixes from 29 balls, while Guyana Super50 batsman Johnathon Foo made 41 from 38 balls with three fours and two sixes.

Quinton Sampson smashed a quick-fire 14-ball 36 with a four and four massive sixes, while Winston Forrester reached the ropes twice in his 23 as the as Malteenoes All-Stars reached 209-8 when their 20 overs expired.

Watched by a small Friday morning crowd in sweltering heat, the Tobago side were bowled out for 127 in 19.3 overs as for Guyana all-rounder Jacobs spun webs around the batsmen to finish with 5-27.

Only Dejourn Charles with 30 and Rachad Forde (24) offered resistance for the team for the smaller of the two Islands to make up the twin Island Republic.

The visitors batted first

on a good track for strokeplay and a lightning fast outfield, Robin Bacchus (2) was trapped LBW before Kemol Savory, who made his Regional debut in the last Super50, got going with a couple of boundaries before he fell to Jaron Alfred for 13.

Griffith played some delightful shots and along with Foo staged a recovery with Griffith who has played 18 T20 games for the Jamaica Tallawahs and Guyana Amazon Warriors, reached his 50.

Griffith was removed by Ford, while the 29-year-old Foo also went after the bowling before Foo was removed by Jaron Alfred.

Josh Telemaque got rid of Vice-Captain Travis Blyden (3) and Forrester before Alfred got rid of Sampson and Kellon Carmichael (2) before Jacobs and Raj Nanan both remained unbeaten on six each.

When Tobago Marlins began their chase they failed to negotiate the off spin of Man-of-the Match Jacobs, who has played 46 T20s for the Guyana Amazon Warriors, Jamaica Tallawahs and Vancouver Knights, while left-arm spinner Anthony Adams supported his Captain with two wickets.

This is the second time a Guyanese team has

Saturday January 11, 2020

BCB selects appointed executives, selectors and committee members - Samaroo heads Selection, Solomon in charge of competitions

Trevon Griffith top scored with 53 in Trinidad yesterday. participated in this tournament after the Demerara Cricket Club lost in the 2017 final to Cane Farm.

The teams are vying for a first prize of $40,000 and a trophy, with the runners-up claiming $15,000 and a trophy.

The losing semi-finalist will receive $4,000. The quarter-finals take place on

January 14 and 15, the semis are on January 17 and 18, with the final to be played on January 19 at the same venue.

The Guyanese side was scheduled to face off with Preysal Cricket Club last evening and are in Group ‘B’ alongside Preysal and Tobago Marlins. (Sean Devers)

The newly elected executives of the Berbice Cricket Board under the chairmanship of President Hilbert Foster met on Wednesday 8th of January at the board’s New Amsterdam Office. It was the executive first monthly meeting since they were elected unopposed at the BCB Annual General Meeting (AGM) on the 22nd of December.

All eight elected executives- President Foster, Vice Presidents Albert Smith, Qualis Winter and Robby Saywack, Secretary Angela Haniff, Asst Secretary Ameer Rahaman, Treasurer Dr. Cecil Beharry, Asst Treasurer Rovin Bahadur were present for the entire two hours meeting.

The BCB President congratulated the executives on been elected and stated that as a team, they would have to make sure that they reward the confidence of the clubs and sub-associations.

Foster and Smith were elected 31-0, while the others won 300 as clubs rewarded them for a very successful two years

term in 2018 and 2019. The President urged his fellow executives to be very visible at cricket venues during matches, to attend meetings on a regular basis, to come up with visionary plans and to work along with every stakeholder of Berbice Cricket as it was very important for everyone to feel involved.

The BCB executives selected nineteen years old Simon Naidu as the BCB Pubic Relations Officer for another two years term, while Malcom Peters, Neil Rudder, Javed Saywack, Leslie Solomon, Lyken Edwards, Victor Takurdeen and Kellon Henry were elected as appointed executive members. Vice President Qualis Winter heads the three-man Discipline Committee. The other members are Police Officer Michael Newland and Jaipaul Heeralall of the D’Edward Club of West Berbice.

Leslie Solomon of the Port Mourant CC was appointed Chairman of the important (Continued on page 25)

Garvin Nedd launches Foundation Coaching for pre-teens Level 2 Cricket Coach and former Guyana off-spinner Garvin Nedd has launched a foundation Coaching Course on Saturdays for Children between the ages of 6-9 and 9-12.

The Forty-seven year-old Nedd captured 29 wickets with a best of 6-23 from 14 First-Class Matches in a career that spanned between 1994-1999 and explained that his first session will be next Saturday from 09:00hrs to 12:30 hrs at the Tarmac of the National Cultural

Center on Mandela Avenue.

“We wanted to use the National Gymnasium but it is being refurbished and as soon the work there is completed we will move over to that venue,” said Nedd, who along with Roger Harper and Otis Gibson, did the level 1 Coaching Course at Old Trafford in Lancashire, England in 1998.

“The main aim of these session, which is open to any Boy or Girl from anywhere in Guyana, is to

the help them develop the basics at a very young age,” said Nedd who played professionally in England, the USA and Trinidad.

“Bio-mechanics is very import and that age group is a critical stage of their development. We often see cricketers at First-Class Level with Technical flaws which should have been dealt with long before they reached that level. We will start with a soft-ball and then, depending on their l e vel of skill, gradually

introduce them to the harder ball,” Nedd stated.

According to Nedd, who is the father of West Indies U-19 left-arm Spinner Ashmead Nedd, the sessions will also include early preparation for other cricket related work such as Umpiring, Cricket Broadcasting, Scoring and developing social skills to become a well-rounded individual.

“We will have facilitators dealing specific areas like Batting, bowling, fielding and leadership. I have seen senior

Players who don’t know how to eat with a knife and Fork and we will have someone from Carnegie doing sessions on etiquette, while making everything fun so as not to get the kids bored,” added Nedd.

Although rated among the better spinners to play for Guyana, the former DCC and Demerara off-spinner did not play many First-Class games but he has developed into arguable the best Youth Coach in Guyana presently as he continues to churn out cricketers from U-15s to Test level as is the case with Keemo Paul.

As National U-15 and U17 Coach, Shimron Hetmyer was also one of his charges.

“I love working at the grassroots which produces players for the Guyana youth team which is a feeder for the higher level.

I am sure that this programme will produce a few Guyana U-15 players in a few

years from now,” Nedd continued.

“I believe that being good at Academics or learning a trade will be of great value to a Child when he or she gets older, but I also feel that to be well balanced, sport is important since it teaches teamwork and discipline.

Exercise is good for many things, it keeps you healthy and do you better at your studies since you are fitter and can concentrate for longer periods,” Nedd opined.

Nedd also believes that while the GCB’s Academy programme is good he feels that not enough technical work is done with those players.

Registration forms can be collected at DCC on Lance Gibbs Street and Nedd can be contacted on telephone number 617-9381 for more information on the Foundation Coaching Course. (Sean Devers)

Saturday January 11, 2020

Kaieteur News

PAGE 33

Albion Permaul’s Trading and Distribution advance to Mike’s Pharmacy U-15 cricket final

Pensioners receiving their snacks.

- Whip Achievers by 276 runs

RHTYSC launches 2020 Calendar of activities with Senior Citizens breakfast Programme After setting itself a 2020 target of 700 activities, the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club, MS and it’s ten cricket team launched it’s calendar of activities by hosting the monthly old aged pensioners breakfast programme. Led by Secretary/CEO Hilbert Foster MS, the teams provided a solid breakfast to dozens of senior citizens as they waited to uplift their monthly pension at the Rose Hall Town Post Office. The breakfast consisted of roti and curry, biscuits, a collection of fruits, cold local fruit drinks and hot tea.

Foster, stated that 2020 would be a very special year for Guyana’s most vibrant youth and sports Organisation as it would be celebrating its 30th Anniversary after been founded in 1990 by Guyana and Commonwealth Youth Service Awardee, the ST. Francis Community Developers. The breakfast programme is the first of at least 700 activities that the club has set itself for 2020.

September has been specially dedicated as the Anniversary month and would see the hosting of at least twenty-five major activities to celebrate the milestone.

They would include a

Prayer Service, Public Exhibition, Medical Outreach, Restoration of the Club Office, Anniversary Magazine, Feeding of the P o o r, 2 0 / 2 0 C r i c k e t Tournament and assistance for youth cricketers.

2020 would see the RHTYSC concentrating on the development of its ten cricket teams, Say No/ Say Yes Campaign, Streamlining of it’s Charity Programme and the personal development of each of its members.

Foster, who is also the President of the Berbice Cricket Board stated that in 2020, the RHTYSC would only assist clubs who invests

in youths and who have a solid track record. The club would also host dozens of activities under it’s Say No/ Say Yes campaign which targets thousands of youths across Berbice to Say No to Drugs, Suicide, Crime, Tobacco, Alcohol and Yes to Education, Sports, Culture life and Religion.

Among the events and projects shall be a youth inspiration forum, youth booklet, educational competitions, sports tournaments, summer camp, rallies, career fair, antidrugs/ suicide posters, Television commercials, Television programmes and counselling sessions. The

RHTYSC would also host several sporting events in 2020 including an Inter Secondary School Cricket To u r n a m e n t , B u s t a Champion of Champions, Naeem Nasir Memorial 100 balls and also provide sponsorship for other sporting discipline like table tennis, volleyball, basketball and softballs. The ten cricket teams would also undertake a combined one hundred activities under their selfdevelopment programme.

The ten cricket teams of the RHTYSC are sponsored by Poonai Pharmacy, Farfan and Mendes Ltd, Bakewell, Metro Office Supplies, Pepsi and Namilco.

A l b i o n P e r m a u l ’s Trading and Distribution U15 cricket team (PTD) whipped Achievers CC by 276 runs to advance to the final of the Mike’s Pharmacy Under-15, 50 Overs Cricket Competition in Berbice.

The competition, which is being organised by the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB), saw Albion taking first strike in the game which was played at the Albion Community Centre Ground and posted 349 all out in 49.4 of their allotted 50 Overs.

Their effort was led by all-rounder Antonio Ramphal with a well played 91; he received good support from opener Afraz Kadir

with 64, Naresh Veerasammy 26 and Afraz Bidhoo 24 as they hammered the Achievers bowlers to all parts of the ground.

Their bowling was led by J. Dobay with 3 wickets, while P. Roger took 2.

Achievers in reply were dismissed for 73 in 33.3 overs with J. Rambarran making 26.

Bowling for Albion, Medium pacer Veerasammy returned with the ball to grab 2 wickets, while leg-spinner Devin Lalbehari Budhoo and fellow off-spinner Tameshwar Mahadeo also grabbed 2 each.

The competition is continuing.

Christopher Barnwell

Spo

rt

MOM Steven Jacobs has a five-wicket haul in Trinidad yesterday.

Jaguars in driving seat on Guyanese off to winning . 28 rain interrupted day 2 of start in UWI T20 Tourney CWI Regional 4-day cricket P. 30

P

Garvin Nedd launches Foundation Coaching for pre-teens P. 30

Former National off-spinner and Guyana Youth player Gavin Nedd with his young charges.

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